Mike Leake yielded two runs in 5 2/3 innings Friday in a victory over the Cubs. Leake allowed nine hits, but seven of them were singles, and he went without walking a batter. He's gone 2-1 with a 2.78 ERA in his last four starts after struggling in his first two. Still, it may not be enough to save his rotation spot once Johnny Cueto comes off the disabled list.

Mike Leake yielded three runs in three innings Saturday in a loss to the Nationals. Leake really labored, giving up six hits and three walks. He needed 71 pitches just to get nine outs. His ERA jumped from 3.81 to 4.34 in the loss. He had two strong starts before this one, but the pressure is on with Tony Cingrani as a potential replacement once Johnny Cueto (lat) is ready to return.

Mike Leake pitched seven innings of two-run ball Monday in a no-decision against the Cubs. With Tony Cingrani now gunning for his job, Leake has allowed just two runs in 14 innings in his last two starts, lowering his ERA from 6.75 to 3.81. As long as he keeps this up, he should retain his spot once Johnny Cueto returns.

Mike Leake pitched seven scoreless innings and went 3-for-4 at the plate as the Reds beat the Phillies 11-2 on Wednesday. It was a nice change for Leake, who had two mediocre starts his first two times out. The right-hander didn't walk anyone and allowed just three hits to the Phillies, striking out seven. He also did damage with the bat, tripling as part of his three hits. His next start, Monday against the Cubs, looks favorable as well.

Mike Leake struggled in a no-decision against the Pirates on Friday, allowing five runs on 10 hits over his six innings of work. Leake also walked two while striking out a pair. He was handed the fifth starter's job in the Reds' rotation after Aroldis Chapman was moved back to the closer's role, but he hasn't yet delivered the results they expected of him. He'll take an inflated 6.75 ERA and 6/6 K/BB ratio into Wednesday's home start against the Phillies.

Mike Leake allowed one run over six innings in the Reds 7-3 win over the Padres on Wednesday. It was a good way to bounce back for the 25-year-old after struggling against the Dodgers his last time out. Lake will occupy the fifth spot in the Reds rotation after it was announced that Aroldis Chapman would stay in the bullpen. Leake is one of the better No. 5 starters in the league, but his lack of true strikeout stuff makes him an unappealing option outside of NL-only fantasy leagues.

After being named the Reds' fifth starter Friday, Mike Leake gave up four runs over five innings against the Dodgers. Not the best way to inspire confidence in Reds fans. Leake allowed five hits -- including two homers to Luis Cruz -- and three walks while striking out a pair. Coming off a 4.58 ERA last season, he doesn't offer much appeal outside of NL-only formats.

Mike Leake will be the Reds' No. 5 starter following the decision to leave Aroldis Chapman in the closer role. It's big news for Leake, who had been slated for the Triple-A rotation. The right-hander posted a disappointing 4.58 ERA and 1.35 WHIP last season, but he stands a decent chance at bouncing back to be a serviceable NL-only option.

Reds and RHP Mike Leake avoided arbitration Wednesday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.06 million contract. Leake requested $3.5 million and was offered $2.65 million from the Reds when arbitration figures were exchanged last month, so the two sides settled for a little under the midpoint. The 25-year-old right-hander was arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter. With Aroldis Chapman expected to join the Reds' starting rotation, Leake's role is uncertain headed into spring training.

Mike Leake requested $3.5 million and was offered $2.65 million from the Reds when arbitration figures were exchanged Friday. It's the first time that the 25-year-old is eligible for arbitration, and comes at a time when his spot in the Reds' rotation is very uncertain for the 2013 season. He'll need a strong showing during spring training or he could be ticketed for Triple-A to start the season.