“I was nervous, in a good way,” Gray said. “Excited more than nervous, I guess.”
»HAL MCCOY: Will the Reds keep both Kemp and Puig?
Gray allowed two hits and struck out three, including Manny Machado. The Reds are counting on Gray to help lead their revamped rotation, handing over a new contract after the trade that added $30.5 million from 2020-22 and includes a 2023 club option.
“To come away with no runs and no walks, I’m very pleased,” Gray said. “Where we were a week and a half ago, to now, it’s good and I feel really good moving forward.”
»RELATED: Reds all in this season, or just one-year push?
He showed no signs of any health issues against San Diego, mixing in fastballs and breaking pitches in his first game since last September, when he was mopping up for the Yankees.
The former first-round pick from Vanderbilt finished the season with a 4.90 ERA and was not included on New York’s postseason roster, capping an unhappy 1 1/2 seasons in the Bronx after being acquired from the Oakland Athletics.
On Saturday, at least, everything seemed just fine with Gray.
“I threw a couple (high fastballs) up there. I was able to throw the curveball,” Gray said. “I had some swings and misses in the zone. That’s a good indicator on the effectiveness and the sharpness of your pitches.”
MONDAY’S GAME
Reds vs. Indians, 4:05 p.m., 1360
About the Author