Reds News: Cincinnati Gets Bad News on Sonny Gray Injury Update

The Cincinnati Reds have been a middle-of-the-pack team throughout the 2021 MLB season. A 36-36 record has them trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games for first place in the NL Central. With over half of the season left to go, there's a lot of time for the Reds to catch up. Unfortunately, that may be easier said than done with the bad news Cincinnati just received regarding one of their starting pitchers.

Right-hander Sonny Gray has been out of the lineup for nearly three weeks with tightness in his right groin. Earlier in the week, it looked like he was progressing well and was in line to begin his rehab assignment on Thursday. That's now being pushed back two days after Gray woke up on Thursday with a sore back, according to The Athletic's C. Trent Rosecrans.

Sonny Gray Injury Update

While Gray's rehab being pushed back is bad news, the silver lining is that he's still expected to resume his schedule in a couple of days. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly and he can get back on track to his MLB return.

Despite having a 1-4 record through 10 starts so far this season, Gray owns a respectable 3.42 ERA. The two-time MLB All-Star has also struck out 65 batters in 50.0 innings pitched. However, if Gray is going to help push the Reds toward a postseason appearance, he may need work a bit more on his control. He currently leads the MLB in wild pitches thrown (8), which has become a habit after he led the league with 7 last season.

Regardless of his control issues, Gray's eventual return to the mount will be welcomed by the Reds and their fans. As the season is about to reach its midway point, Cincinnati has the 2nd-worst odds to win the NL East at +600, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Even if they manage to squeak into the playoffs, the Reds' +6500 odds to win the World Series ranks T-18th among the rest of the league.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook today and get your first bet risk free for up to $1,000!