Mike Leake had a rough day in Sunday's 8-5, 11-inning win over the Nationals, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks in six innings of work. Leake notched just one strikeout in failing to turn in back-to-back quality outings to begin his season. Purely a spot starter in shallower mixed leagues, Leake will get the Cubs at Wrigley Field next weekend.

Mike Leake gave up one run on three hits over two innings of work in Thursday's win over the Brewers. It's a nearly identical line as his spring debut. Leake was followed by Sean Marshall, Carlos Fisher, Jordan Smith and Sean Gallagher. The 24-year-old right-hander posted a 3.36 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP in his final 20 starts of 2011 and could be a solid late-game fantasy option in mixed leagues this season.

Mike Leake yielded one earned run on four hits Saturday in the Reds' Cactus League opener against the Indians. Leake faced 11 batters over two innings in the start, striking out one while issuing no walks. Ron Mahay followed with a two-run third inning. Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek, Jose Arredondo, Jordan Smith, Clay Zavapa and Kanekoa Texeira also made appearances in the 6-6 tie against the Tribe.

Mike Leake will make one more start. The out-of-contention Reds are aiming to limit Leake's workload in his second full major league season. The 23-year-old right-hander has posted a respectable 4.00 ERA and 1.18 WHIP through 159 2/3 innings.

Mike Leake limited the Cubs to two runs over nine innings Tuesday in an extra-innings victory. He needed only 91 pitches to complete nine innings, striking out six while allowing only three hits and no walks. He came oh-so-close to his first career shutout, but allowed a two-run homer to pinch-hitter Bryan LaHair in the ninth, forcing extras. Leake dropped his ERA to 4.00 with the outing. It may be his last of the season, however, as Reds manager Dusty Baker has talked about shutting him down. The Reds want to be careful with his innings after he was fatigued at the end of last year.

Mike Leake could be shut down after making his start Tuesday. "We're not sure," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "We're getting close." It's possible Leake could get one more additional outing. Leake has overall pitched very well since returning in late May following a demotion. But, he scuffled a bit in August with a 4.60 ERA and the Reds want to be careful with his innings after he was fatigued at the end of last year.

Reds GM Walt Jocketty has confirmed that Mike Leake has "nearly reached" his innings limit. Currently at 158 innings (including his time in Triple-A) after throwing 138 1/3 innings as a rookie last season, Leake may make "another start or two." Leake has pitched well this season after not being a part of the Reds' Opening Day rotation, turning in a 4.12 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 110/36 K/BB ratio. He should be worth a late-round pick in most mixed leagues next spring.

Mike Leake could be shut down after one or two more starts. Leake has thrown over 150 innings this season between Triple-A Louisville and Cincinnati. The 23-year-old right-hander topped out at 138 1/3 innings last year. Edinson Volquez is likely to take over his rotation spot for the remainder of 2011.

Mike Leake limited the Nationals to two runs over six innings Saturday in a Reds victory. The two runs came on solo shots. Other than those miscues, Leake was fairly solid. He struck out four batters while issuing just one walk and earned his 11th win of the season. The 23-year-old right-hander will take on the Phillies next time out.

Mike Leake allowed four runs on five hits in six innings on Sunday, taking a no-decision in Cincinnati's 5-4 win over the Pirates in Pittsburgh. He struck out five and walked one. Leake's biggest mistake came in the first, where he served up a two-run homer to Andrew McCutchen. The non-quality outing was his second straight, and leaves him with a 4.97 ERA through 25 1/3 innings this month. He'll get the Nationals at home next weekend.