Reds SP Sonny Gray Heads to IL with Back Strain

Sonny Gray (54) with the Cincinnati Reds in 2019
Sonny Gray (54) with the Cincinnati Reds in 2019. Photo by John Fisher/CSM/Shutterstock (10318956v)

The Cincinnati Reds are quickly seeing their playoff hopes fade, and the addition of starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the 10-day injured list is yet another obstacle the team will have to overcome if they want to make a run.

Currently 3 games out of the final NL playoff spot, it appears that the Reds might not get Gray back for the rest of the regular season.

The righty starter left after pitching just 3.1 innings against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, giving up 5 runs, 6 hits, and 3 walks. While he was removed from the game due to a bad outing, it was revealed on Sunday that he is dealing with a right mid-back strain that might explain why he struggled.

Gray, a 2019 NL All-Star for Cincinnati, has been a stalwart in the team’s rotation since coming over in a trade with the New York Yankees in January of that season.

He had gotten off to a hot start to 2020 as well, but a pair of rough outings raised his ERA to 3.94 on the season to go along with a 5-3 record.

Gray would be eligible to return from the DL on September 21st, under a week before the season ends, but his recovery from a bothersome back injury will dictate whether or not the Reds will see him return this year.

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