Six pitchers are competing for the fourth and fifth spots in the Reds rotation, and a week into spring training games, the races are still too close to call.
The half dozen pitchers have combined to give up one earned run so far this spring.
Lefthander Tony Cingrani hit 94 MPH with his fastball, showing that last season's shoulder trouble is behind him.
Righthander Anthony DeSclafani gave up an unearned run in his first start. "I felt like everything was working," he said.
Manager Bryan Price declared Cingrani and DeScalfani the early favorites.RHP Jason Marquis has thrown five hitless innings to work his way into the mix. RHP Raisel Iglesias and LHPs David Holmberg and Paul Maholm have also been effective.
"At this point in time, we've got a great list," Price said to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "It would be a very difficult challenge to feel like we've got it right if we had to make our team today because so many of these guys are performing at such a high level."