Cessa is listed as the Reds' scheduled starting pitcher for Saturday's game in Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Manager David Bell is prepared to let Cessa get stretched out as a starter, even though his transition to the rotation in Monday's 4-1 loss to the Phillies didn't go as planned. The right-hander was lifted after two innings and took the loss after surrendering two earned runs on three hits -- including two solo home runs -- and a walk while striking out three. Cessa tossed only 41 pitches in the outing, so he shouldn't be expected to work deep into Saturday's start even if he finds more success this time around.

Cessa (3-2) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk in two innings Monday, striking out three and taking a loss against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa worked through a scoreless inning before coughing up back-to-back solo home runs to Nick Castellanos and Bryson Stott in the second. It was the 30-year-old's second start of the year and the second time he's completed two innings of work. Cessa's ERA rose to 5.67 through 38 appearances.

Cessa will start Monday's game against the Phillies, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa isn't fully stretched out, but the Reds aren't calling him an opener. Manager David Bell further elaborated that Cessa may have a chance to stick in the rotation beyond Monday, citing his past experience as a starter. However, Cessa has not started multiple games in a campaign since 2018, so the team could also opt to turn back to T.J. Zeuch or give Brandon Williamson a few turns through the rotation prior to the close of the regular season. As a reliever, Cessa has a 5.50 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 28:15 K:BB across 37.2 frames this season.

Cessa (back) was activated from the injured list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa missed just shy of four weeks with his injury, but he is ready to resume pitching for the Reds. He struggled a bit before landing on the injured list, so he may be forced to work his way back into a late-inning role.

Cessa (back) is close to returning from the IL and won't need a rehab stint, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa has struggled this season, posting a 6.68 ERA and 1.65 WHIP over 31 innings, after being a nice addition last season down the stretch run. However, with the Reds' bullpen decimated, he still might pick up a few holds as the campaign winds down.

Cessa was placed on the 15-day injured list with a muscle strain in his back Thursday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa was originally believed to have suffered an oblique or intercostal injury, though Cincinnati later clarified the exact nature of the issue. He'll be out until at least the third week of July.

Cessa was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left side injury Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa exited Thursday's matinee against Pittsburgh due to his side injury, and the issue will keep him out until after the All-Star break. The right-hander joins a lengthy list of Reds relievers on the injured list, while Robert Dugger was recalled to take his place in the bullpen.

Cessa was removed from Thursday's game against the Pirates with an apparent injury, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa induced a groundout and walked a batter during the seventh inning Thursday before exiting with the athletic trainer. He should be considered day-to-day until his status is updated.

Cessa will start Thursday's game against the Dodgers, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old has covered 2.2 innings across his first two appearances out of the bullpen this season, so he's likely serving as an opener for Reiver Sanmartin, who was previously scheduled to start Thursday. Cessa was believed to be in the mix for save chances, but Tony Santillan and Art Warren have picked up the first two saves of the year for the Reds.

Cessa is a candidate for saves in Cincinnati this season according to manager David Bell, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lucas Sims will miss the start of the season with an elbow injury, and Sims is not guaranteed to close once healthy. Cessa had a 2.51 ERA last season, though his 20.7 percent strikeout rate would be quite low for a closer.