Finnegan needed 69 pitches to record six outs in his second start of the season Monday against the Pirates. He allowed one run on four hits and walked five before getting removed without recording an out in the bottom of the third inning.
After an excellent season debut against the Phillies last week, Finnegan was falling behind in the count often (seven first-pitch strikes to 15 batters faced) and struggling with his command throughout the abbreviated start. The Reds received seven scoreless frames from Michael Lorenzen, Cody Reed and Wandy Peralta to come away with a win despite the short outing from Finnegan, who recorded four of his six outs via strikeout Monday. Finnegan is lined up for a second start this week Saturday at home against the Brewers.