Edinson Volquez Set to Return for Reds

Edinson Volquez, who has been on the disabled list due to a back injury, will make his return to the pitching mound on Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals. He hasn’t been able to pitch since May 16th.

Prior to last season, the Cincinnati Reds acquired Volquez in a deal that sent Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers. Although Hamilton blew up in Texas, Volquez was also really good. Last year, the native of the Dominican Republic was 17-6 with 206 strikeouts in 196 innings to go along with a 3.21 ERA.

This season, Volquez was 4-2 in his eight starts with a 4.25 ERA. The 25-year-old was actually a bit better than that ERA indicates — especially when you consider that he is sporting a National League best .185 batting average against stat.

With a record of 26-23, the Reds need Volquez to come back strong if the team wants to make a legit run at the 2009 baseball playoffs.

Edinson Volquez Injury Update (Image: Zuma Press)