Pedro Villarreal battered by Rockies in spot start

Reds starting pitcher Pedro Villarreal did not have much time to prepare for his first major-league start Wednesday against the Rockies, and it showed.

Pitching in place of the injured Johnny Cueto, Villarreal let an early lead go to waste, in a 12-4 loss. He allowed six runs on 10 hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings of work, and he particularly struggled to keep the ball in the yard. The Rockies hit three home runs off Villarreal in the game.

It is not clear if Villarreal will make another start for the Reds, with Cueto on the disabled list.