Mahle threw two perfect innings in his spring training debut Tuesday against the Brewers, striking out three.

EDGE Analysis

Mahle has to have a great spring to win a rotation spot, in part because of service time considerations. But if he doesn't begin the season in the big leagues, there's a really strong possibility he'll get back up eventually. He certainly appears to be a better option than at least a few of the Reds alternatives, namely Robert Stephenson.

Mahle is expected to contend for the fifth spot in Cincinnati's rotation during spring training, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mahle had a solid major-league debut last season, as he started four games and pitched 20 innings, over which he logged a 2.70 ERA. However, his lack of control (11 walks) contributed to a 1.50 WHIP. Fortunately, due to his performance in the minors, there's reason to believe that figure could fall. Between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville, Mahle pitched 24 games (144.1 innings) in 2017 and pieced together a 0.96 WHIP.

Mahle has been shut down for the rest of the season, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds will go with a rotation consisting of Sal Romano, Robert Stephenson, Jackson Stephens, Rookie Davis and Homer Bailey the rest of the way. Mahle, 22, has thrown 164.1 innings combined across three levels this season, building on his 150.2-inning workload from 2016. He had some issues with walks in four starts for the big-league club, but Mahle was solid otherwise and should be in the mix for a starting job in spring training.

Mahle (1-2) recorded his first big-league win Wednesday against the Cardinals, allowing four hits and three walks over five scoreless innings while striking out four.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie right-hander now has a 2.70 ERA through four starts in the majors, and a 2.14 ERA across three levels in 2017. Mahle's 14:11 K:BB through 20 innings for the Reds does suggest he's been plenty lucky so far in the Show, though, making him a potentially risky play in a rematch with the Cards back in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

Mahle (0-2) allowed three runs on six hits and four walks while striking out two batters through just four innings during Thursday's loss to the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

This was just the third start in the majors for the rookie, and he made only 10 appearances with Triple-A Louisville before joining the Reds. As a result, there aren't many fantasy settings where Mahle should be leaned on. He offers some long-term upside and has made significant strides this year, but he's still a raw talent at this stage of his career.

Mahle fired six scoreless innings Saturday against the Pirates, allowing just five hits while striking out three. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Although he was somewhat erratic (just 65 of his 105 offerings went for strikes and he hit a pair of batters), the pitching prospect managed to limit the traffic on the basepaths and keep the Buccos off the board. However, he was stuck with a no-decision thanks to the lack of production from Cincinnati on the evening. Mahle now has a 2.45 ERA on the season and seems to be in line to maintain a spot in the Reds' rotation as long as he isn't shut down in an effort to limit his workload. Should he make his next start as scheduled, he'll take on the Mets on the road.

Mahle is listed as the Reds' probable starter for Saturday's game against the Pirates, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After Mahle acquitted himself well in his MLB debut last weekend in limiting the Pirates to three runs on four hits and four walks over five frames, he'll get another crack at Pittsburgh, this time on the road. Since the 22-year-old has already accrued 149.1 innings this season between three levels, the Reds could look to shut him down at some point in September, but manager Bryan Price hasn't relayed that the rookie is on strict innings cap. Asher Wojciechowski was moved to the bullpen to accommodate Mahle's entry into the rotation.

Mahle (0-1) allowed three runs on four hits and four walks over five innings during Sunday's game against the Pirates. He struck out five and was stuck with the loss.

EDGE Analysis

Mahle struggled to find his command during his big-league debut against the Pirates. The 22-year-old sported an excellent 5.3 percent walk rate between Double-A and Triple-A this season, but wasn't able to display that same prowess Sunday as he issued four walks and hit a batter over his five innings of work. He'll get another opportunity to show off his stuff during his next scheduled start against the Pirates on Saturday.

The Reds selected Mahle's contract from Triple-A Louisville in advance of his scheduled start Sunday against the Pirates, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 22-year-old earned the call to the big leagues after dominating at Double-A Pensacola to begin the season before lighting it up in his 10 starts in the International League, submitting a 2.73 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over 59.1 innings. Since Mahle has already compiled 149.1 innings in the minors this season, the Reds may not keep him around in the rotation for all of September, but he'll at least have a chance to stake his claim to a full-time role in the big leagues in 2018 if he's able to impress Sunday in his MLB debut and in any subsequent starts he receives with Cincinnati before the campaign winds down.

Mahle will be called up to start Sunday against Pittsburgh, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mahle owns a sharp 2.73 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over 10 starts at Triple-A Louisville, a particularly impressive accomplishment at just 22 years old. Expect the Reds to hold off on making a roster move until after Saturday night's game, as they will need to make a move to clear a 40-man roster spot for his ascent.