The Cincinnati Reds signed Scott Feldman with the thought that he would be competing with some of the young pitchers for a spot in the starting rotation. Then the injuries began to mount up as Homer Bailey and Anthony DeSclafani never made it to Opening Day. With the injuries to the starting rotation Feldman became the Opening Day starter.
That meant that the pitcher originally signed to potentially be a flexible piece for the bullpen was suddenly expected to have an average Feldman season. Last season the long time starter only started five games. Initially, the Reds thought this new role for Feldman would be his role with them.