GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman is likely to start the season in the Cincinnati Reds' farm system.

General manager Walt Jocketty said Tuesday that the left-hander who just turned 22 and is still learning the language has adapted well in spring training, but still has a lot of work to do. He hurt his back and missed a week of camp, essentially knocking him out of the competition for the rotation.

Jocketty said "it's going to be tough" for him to make the big-league club because of the injury. Chapman is scheduled to pitch two innings against minor leaguers on Wednesday. The Reds haven't decided where to send him to open the season.