The Reds will be down a pitcher for at least the next 10 days as Sonny Gray hits the injured list with a back strain retroactive to Friday. David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Reds place Sonny Gray on injured list with back strain

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/13/20

The Cincinnati Reds will be down a pitcher for at least the next 10 days as Sonny Gray hits the injured list with a back strain retroactive to Friday.

The #Reds today selected from the taxi squad the contract of RHP Sal Romano and placed on the 10-day injured list, retro to Friday, RHP Sonny Gray (right mid-back strain). pic.twitter.com/MfiOXNPb33
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 13, 2020

Gray allowed five runs on six hits and three walks over 3 1/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Thursday.

The right-hander is 5-3 on the season with a 3.94 ERA in nine starts. However, he's allowed 11 runs in his last two outings after giving up just nine earned runs in 41 2/3 innings over his first seven starts.

Gray was an All-Star last season, going 11-9 with a 2.71 ERA in 31 starts in his first season with Cincinnati.

With Gray on the shelf, the Reds will rely on Luis Castillo, Trevor Bauer, Anthony DeSclafani and Tyler Mahle on the mound.

More must-reads: