In a move we see once every decade, the Cincinnati Reds have elected to use Mike Leake as their 5th starter, allowing him to make the jump to the majors without having ever thrown a regular season pitch as professional, reports John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The move also means that fellow prospects Travis Wood and Aroldis Chapman will head to Triple-A.
The Reds elected to go with Leake, the 9th overall pick from last season who went 16-1 with Arizona State last season, but signed too late to pitch in the regular season and threw only 19 2/3 innings in the Arizona Fall League. Technically, Leake will be sent to the minors temporarily, but will be recalled in time to make his first start, scheduled for April 11th.
The Reds also announced that prospect Juan Francisco has made the major league team as a bench player, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. The 22-year-old Francisco will serve as a backup at third base, first base, and in left field, as well as providing power off the bench. Francisco has as much power as any player in the Reds organization, but has had trouble making consistent contact throughout his minor league career.
