Tony Cingrani gave up three runs over five innings Saturday in a loss to the Cubs.

Cingrani needed 104 pitches (55 strikes) to complete his five innings of work. He walked four and struck out three in the loss. He gave up four hits, so he has yet to give up more than five hits in any of his 22 starts in the majors. He'll bring a 3.22 ERA into a start against the Pirates next week in Pittsburgh.

Tony Cingrani held the Rays to two runs over 6 1/3 innings in Sunday's 12-4 victory.

He walked three but struck out six and allowed just five hits. Cingrani is the first pitcher in 100 years to start his career with 21 straight starts allowing five hits or fewer. He struggled in his second outing of the season but has pitched quite well the other two times out. The lefty takes on the Cubs next weekend.

Tony Cingrani lasted just four innings in Monday's loss to the Cardinals, giving up three runs on three hits and four walks.

Cingrani struck out five and didn't allow a hit or a run after the first inning, but the damage was already done with him up to 88 pitches after four frames. Since he basically is a one-pitch pitcher, Cingrani is going to be in trouble when he doesn't have fastball command, and he didn't in this one. He'll try to bounce back this weekend versus the Rays.

Tony Cingrani fired seven innings of shutout ball in the Reds' win over the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Cingrani was left with a no-decision because the Reds didn't break through until the bottom of the ninth inning. The young left-hander was outstanding against a tough St. Louis lineup, yielding only two hits and fanning nine batters over his seven scoreless frames. He will try to keep it rolling next week when he gets the Cardinals again -- this time in St. Louis.

Tony Cingrani allowed three runs over 4 2/3 innings of a Cactus League start against the Cubs Saturday.

Cingrani was fortunate to only allow three runs, as the Cubs had five hits and four walks against the left-hander. The start was a microcosm of Cingrani's spring, as he owns a 6.23 ERA through 17 1/3 innings. Still, his spot in the rotation is guaranteed and his ability to strike out batters makes him an attractive fantasy option in the later rounds.

Tony Cingrani struggled against the Athletics in Cactus League action on Sunday, giving up three runs on three hits in his four frames.

Cingrani also walked three while punching out four on the afternoon. The 24-year-old southpaw is expected to open the season in the Reds rotation, but has struggled this spring to the tune of a 6.39 ERA and 1.18 WHIP through 12 2/3 innings.

Tony Cingrani struck out three batters over two scoreless innings against the Rockies Saturday.

Cingrani gave up just one hit and didn't walk anyone. The 24-year-old burst onto the scene in 2013, posting a 2.92 ERA 120/43 K/BB ratio in 104 2/3 innings of work. The hard-throwing lefty is set for a full slate of starts this year, and his strikeout ability makes him an attractive mid-round option in drafts.

Tony Cingrani (back) has been sent to the Reds' spring training complex to get some work in.

Cingrani won't be an option for the NLDS, but he could join the Reds' bullpen later in the postseason if the club keeps advancing. The rookie left-hander has been sidelined since September 10 due to a recurring back issue.

Reds manager Dusty Baker indicated that Tony Cingrani (back) might not pitch again this season.

"I don't know - probably not," said Baker. "With him, it's a whole lot different for getting him in the game at this point in the year. I know we did that with (Johnny) Cueto, but he knows himself and his mechanics are so sound, so it's a different situation. I just found out he's ready (Friday). Is that game-ready?" If Baker isn't comfortable using Cingrani this weekend, it's hard to believe that he'll be included on the postseason roster.

Tony Cingrani (back) threw 32 pitches in a bullpen session Wednesday.

The next step could be a return to game action this weekend, though it's unclear when that will happen or what his role will be. Cingrani has been out since September 10 due to a recurring back issue.

Tony Cingrani (back) threw 25 pitches off a mound Monday without pain.

Cingrani was still feeling some discomfort a few days ago, so this is good news. Still, it's unclear what the Reds' plans are for him moving forward.

Tony Cingrani (back) still feels some discomfort when he throws off the mound.

Cingrani left his start last Tuesday after he aggravated a back injury. He's not with the club in Pittsburgh this weekend and it's unclear whether he'll make it back before the end of the regular season.

Tony Cingrani left Tuesday's start against the Cubs with back spasms.

It's an aggravation of the injury he dealt with from late August to early September. Cingrani missed only a couple weeks of action that time, and the ailment could effectively end his run in the rotation for the rest of the season. The Reds had been leaning towards bringing Johnny Cueto back as a reliever, but that might change now.

Tony Cingrani left Tuesday's start against the Cubs with an undisclosed injury.

Cingrani was making his second start since coming off the DL due to a lower back strain, so it's a reasonable guess that his back is acting up again. The lefty allowed a long two-run homer to Welington Castillo during his 1 2/3 innings before exiting. The Reds will update his status shortly.

Tony Cingrani held the Cardinals to two runs over 5 1/3 frames in Thursday's 6-2 victory.

He yielded four hits and three walks while striking out seven. Cingrani was only at 79 pitches when he was removed with one out in the sixth, but manager Dusty Baker's decision looked smart after Zach Duke induced an inning-ending double play. With Johnny Cueto (back) expected to return in relief, Cingrani's rotation spot appears safe. He'll get the Cubs at home next week.

Reds activated LHP Tony Cingrani from the 15-day disabled list.

Cingrani will return to the Reds' rotation on Thursday night for a crucial start against the rival Cardinals. He missed 10 days with a lower back strain.

Tony Cingrani (back) will rejoin the Reds' rotation on Thursday against the Cardinals.

Cingrani left his outing late last month with a lower back strain, but he'll return after missing the minimum amount of time. The left-hander has posted a fine 2.76 ERA and 1.06 WHIP while striking out 112 over 97 2/3 innings this season for the Reds.

Reds placed LHP Tony Cingrani on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.

This doesn't come as a total surprise, as Cingrani has been dealing with soreness in his back for quite awhile now. Greg Reynolds will be recalled from Triple-A to start against the Brewers on Sunday.

Tony Cingrani (back) threw a 12-pitch bullpen session Friday.

Cingrani is still dealing with discomfort in his lower back and his availability for Sunday's start remains in question. The Reds have yet to make an official decision on his status and continue to list him as day-to-day.

Reds manager Dusty Baker said Tony Cingrani's (back) bullpen session Thursday "went fine."

"He said he's a little sore," Baker added. "I talked to the doc. It's better. You know how backs are." It sounds like Cingrani won't have to miss Sunday's start due to the back injury that forced him from his last outing. We should know for sure before long.