Cincinnati Reds put Chapman on paternity list, push back Cueto

The Cincinnati Reds have placed closer Aroldis Chapman on the paternity leave list, while also announcing Monday that staff ace Johnny Cueto will have his next scheduled start pushed back.

Chapman's roster spot will be filled by Josh Smith, who will be recalled from Triple-A Louisville to take Cueto's slated start Tuesday at Pittsburgh.

Cueto has been dealing with a stiff elbow that caused him to be skipped a turn in the rotation last month. And with the 2014 National League Cy Young Award runner-up a free agent next season and the Reds currently 5 1/2 games out of a playoff spot, he could be a candidate to be moved prior to the July 31 trade deadline.

The veteran right-hander will next take the mound when Cincinnati opens a weekend series against the New York Mets on Friday.

Smith has posted a 4-4 record with a 3.04 ERA across three minor league levels this season. The 27-year-old will be making his MLB debut Tuesday.

[SportsNetwork.com]