Madson starts rehab process: According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Reds closer Ryan Madson has begun the rehab process from his Tommy John surgery on April 11. “It’s Day One of rehab,” Madson said. “It’s the first day I’ve been out of my brace. It feels good.” (Updated 04/24/2012)
Injury Report
Elbow - 60-day DL. Out for season (Updated - 4/16/12)
Fantasy Analysis
Madson will do most of his rehab in California, close to his home. “That was really the only deciding factor, that I could rehab there at home and be comfortable,” Madson said. “I was totally confident with (Reds medical director Tim) Kremchek doing it as well, and I told him that. It was really six of one and a half-dozen of another.” The Reds have an option on him for next year, so Madson could still be their closer when his recovery from surgery is complete. This is a situation to keep tabs on over the next 12 months. When healthy, Madson is a viable relief pitching option in the majority of mixed Fantasy formats. (Updated 04/24/2012).
04/03/2012 14:18 Reds claim Alfredo Simon off waivers
The Cincinnati Reds have placed a waiver claim on recently-released pitcher Alfredo Simon, the Orioles announced Tuesday.
04/02/2012 14:15 No rotation for you: Reds send Aroldis Chapman to bullpen
Stretching out fireballer Aroldis Chapman into a starting pitcher seems to be the eventual goal for the Reds, but it's not happening just yet. With a crowded starting rotation and an injured closer, Chapman has been sent back to the 'pen, reports John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
04/01/2012 13:18 Braves acquire Juan Francisco from Reds
The Atlanta Braves, motivated by the injury to Chipper Jones, have acquired third baseman Juan Francisco from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect J.J. Hoover.
Ryan Madson enjoyed the finest campaign of his career last season as he got the chance to close full time for the Phillies due to an injury to Brad Lidge. He earned his first save on April 22 and converted each of his first 14 chances, finishing the year 32 saves in 34 chances and a 2.37 ERA. But he won't get a chance to follow up on that performance in 2012. He won't get a chance to do anything at all. After signing a one-year contract to serve as Cincinnati's closer, he struggled with elbow soreness all spring only to find out later in March that one of the ligaments in the elbow had completely detached from the bone. He'll undergo Tommy John surgery and miss all of 2012. Considering his limited track record as a closer, Madson is no certainty to reclaim the role when he returns in 2013. The 31-year-old obviously isn't worth drafting in seasonal formats and doesn't have much appeal in long-term keeper formats either. (Updated 3/25/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start