Smith gets starting nod as Reds take on Cubs

CHICAGO -- Robert Stephenson is back with the Cincinnati Reds this month, getting the chance to finish as strongly as he started the 2016 season.

Stephenson (2-1, 4.97 ERA) will make his sixth career appearance, fourth start, when he face the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday at Wrigley Field. He was recalled by the Reds earlier this month.

In April, the 23-year-old right-hander became the first Reds pitcher to win his first two big league games since Larry Luebbers in 1993. He earned those victories after Cincinnati right-hander Homer Bailey was deemed unable to pitch at the start of the season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.

Stephenson was sent to Triple-A Louisville in late April, and he spent the bulk of the season in the minors. He went 8-9 with a 4.41 ERA in 24 starts for Louisville, including wins in his final two starts while allowing a total of three earned runs.

"We want to see Robert, and we're giving him a chance to pitch in his regular comfortable role, which is as a starter," Price said when Stephenson was called up Sept. 2. "This is an opportunity for him to continue to find his way.

In three starts this month, Stephenson is 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA. On Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he allowed four runs on four hits in five innings during a no-decision.

Bailey, meanwhile, threw an uneventful bullpen session at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, maintaining hopes that he may yet see major league action in the season's final games.

"He was feeling good so he (wanted) to do it today," Price said. "(But) if there is a risk or concern about his surgically repaired injury, then he will certainly not take the field."

Bailey had his elbow reconstructed in the middle of the 2015 season. He returned to the Reds this season to make six appearances between July 31 and Aug. 28, going 2/3 with a 6.65 ERA. He subsequently was shut down due to biceps tenderness.

Stephenson's mound opponent Wednesday will be John Lackey (9-8, 3.42 ERA). The right-hander is the last Chicago starter without a double-digit win total. That is partly due to a stay on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder stiffness last month. He hopes to join the 10-win group in his 28th start of the season.

Lackey got a no-decision in his last start -- a 5-4, come-from-behind Cubs win over the Brewers in 10 innings Friday. He is 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA in his past seven starts, but he is 1-2 with a 6.38 ERA in three starts against Cincinnati this season.

In his career against the Reds, Lackey is 4-4 with a 3.65 ERA in 12 starts.

Behind the Lackey, the Cubs' bullpen could have a familiar face back.

Right-handed reliever Pedro Strop, out since Aug. 11 after undergoing surgery to repair meniscus tear of his left knee, is expected to be activated from the disabled list later this week. He could make up to five appearances in the final two weeks of the season.

Strop threw about 20 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday and reported no problems. He is 2-2 with a 2.89 ERA in 50 appearances this season.