GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The Cincinnati Reds sent reliever Sam LeCure outright to the minors Thursday and announced Jason Marquis would be added to the roster, completing their rotation going into opening day.
They plan to put starter Homer Bailey on the 15-day disabled list ahead of Monday's opener against Pittsburgh at Great American Ball Park.
Right-hander Michael Lorenzen was optioned to Triple-A Louisville. He has never pitched in the majors and was considered to fill Bailey's spot before he returns sometime in April.
Manager Bryan Price said four non-roster players will be added for opening day: Marquis, reliever Kevin Gregg, outfielder Brennan Boesch, and infielder Chris Dominguez. The Reds plan to open three roster spots by putting Bailey, reliever Sean Marshall and outfielder Jason Bourgeois on the disabled list.
They haven't said how they will create the fourth open spot.
Bailey is recovering from surgery on his right forearm in September and is still getting back in pitching shape. He's expected to miss one or two starts.
LeCure, also bound for Triple-A, has been a mainstay in the bullpen the last four years. He was 1-4 with a 3.81 ERA in 62 appearances last year and is guaranteed $1.9 million this year.
"It breaks all our hearts that Sam isn't going to be with us," Price said. "I never could have seen that coming. He embodies everything we believe a player should be.
"His velocity was down and his fastball command was erratic since the second half of last year. He is a much better pitcher than he has shown. We have to get him back to where he was."
LeCure addressed the situation on Twitter: "thank you all for your well wishes and support. caught me off guard too. just another bump in a long road. the goal stays the same."