34 Homer Bailey SP

Bailey is unlikely to pitch out of the bullpen despite being bumped from the rotation Friday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Bailey's 6.09 ERA saw him deservedly lose his job as a starter, but if the Reds don't plan on using him as a reliever then it appears they don't plan on using him at all. He reportedly remains an option to start if needed later in the month, but with expanded September rosters and several former starters in the bullpen, it's difficult to envision such a need arising.

Bailey has lost his rotation spot to Tyler Mahle, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Bailey's 6.09 ERA certainly doesn't make a good case for him returning to the rotation, and he hasn't posted an ERA below 5.50 since back in 2014 while battling multiple arm injuries. With the Reds nowhere near the playoff race, there's little reason to give innings to a struggling 32-year-old, so the 23-year-old Mahle will get the opportunities instead.

Bailey (1-14) took the loss Wednesday against the Pirates, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk across five innings. He struck out four.

Bailey was spotted a one-run lead in the first inning, but he allowed the Pirates to tie the game in the second inning before conceding the lead in the third. The veteran right-hander has now lost seven of his eight second-half starts -- including seven straight -- posting a 5.28 ERA and 1.56 WHIP with 37 strikeouts across 44.1 innings over that stretch. He'll look to turn things around in his next scheduled start, which will come at home against the Dodgers.

Bailey (1-13) took the loss against the Cardinals on Friday, giving up seven runs (three earned) on nine hits over five innings, striking out five and walking two in the Reds' 12-5 defeat.

Bailey's final line wasn't terrible with four of the seven runs he gave up being unearned, but he still took the loss for the seventh time in his last eight starts to drop him to 1-13 on the season. The veteran right-hander is far off the fantasy radar, as he's also sporting a 6.13 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP that have contributed to the dismal record.

Bailey (1-12) threw five innings in a losing effort Sunday, yielding six runs (three earned) on eight hits in the 9-0 loss to the Cubs. He struck out two batters and allowed a home run.

Things got out of hand early on for the Reds in this one, as Bailey coughed up three runs in the first inning. David Bote later took him deep with a two-run shot. Since he returned from the disabled list in late July, the 32-year-old has lowered his season ERA from 6.68 to 6.17 with an 0-5 record. Things won't get any easier for Bailey with his next outing coming against the red-hot Cardinals on Saturday.