Could Thursday's starter be Stephenson or Lamb?

ST. LOUIS — Thursday's starter won't be left-hander Tony Cingrani.

He can't be recalled for 10 days after being optioned to Triple-A Louisville, and the Reds want him to get some work there anyway.

But beyond eliminating Cingrani, Reds manager Bryan Price wouldn't say – or couldn't say.

"We're got a couple guys in mind," he said. "I've spoken with (pitching coach) Teddy Power at Triple-A and gotten some insight from him on what he's seen.

"We've had some internal discussions. No. 1, we haven't committed to anyone yet. No. 2, when we do I'm sure we'll make an announcement."

The Triple-A possibilities are right-handers Robert Stephenson and Donn Roach and left-hander David Holmberg.

Stephenson, of course, is the Reds' No. 1 prospect. He is 3-0 with a 3.27 ERA since being promoted to Triple-A. He is scheduled to start Tuesday for the Bats, followed by Holmberg and Roach.

Holmberg is 7-6 with a 4.40 ERA. He was twice slated to start for the Reds, but both games were rained out. Roach, picked up off waivers from the Chicago Cubs, is 7-3 with a 2.71 ERA overall at Triple-A.

Another possibility is John Lamb, acquired in the Johnny Cueto deal. Lamb, a 25-year-old left-hander, was 9-1 with a 2.67 ERA for Triple-A Omaha.