Mat Latos has been diagnosed with a strained back, and he is still expected to make his first start after the All-Star break, Tom Groeschen of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Latos has been diagnosed with a strained back but is still expected to make his first start after the All-Star break, Tom Groeschen of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis:

It doesn't sound like Latos is a sure thing to make his next start, but the Reds are at least optimistic. The team could allow him to get some extra rest, in which case he'd likely pitch on July 21 or 22 in Milwaukee, instead of July 19 or 20 in the Bronx. Latos was previously said to be dealing with back spasms, after he was removed from Friday's start in the fifth inning.