The Cincinnati Reds made one roster move today that everyone knew was coming – they activated right-handed starter Sonny Gray. He was the listed starting pitcher for tonight and has been for several days. It was the other move that we didn’t know was coming, though we did know there was one that was coming. To make room on the 28-man roster for Gray, the Reds designated Nate Jones for assignment.
For Nate Jones, it may not be the end of the road with the organization. There’s a chance he could clear waivers and remain with the Reds in the 40-man player pool for the playoffs. But there’s also a chance he could be claimed by another organization. He’s struck out 23 batters in just 18.2 innings and walked just six in that same span (one being intentional). Those are strong numbers for a reliever.
But….. those aren’t the only numbers. He’s given up 25 hits and five home runs. His 2.4 home runs per 9-innings pitched this season is simply too high for anyone to work around. That issue helped lead to a 6.27 ERA on the season.
For Sonny Gray, he’ll get back on the mound for just the third time this month. He started on the 1st and didn’t make it out of the 1st inning. He then skipped a start and took the mound on the 10th and didn’t make it out of the 4th inning. The Reds placed him on the 10-day injured list following that outing with a back strain.
In July and August, Sonny Gray had a 1.94 ERA in 41.2 innings with 15 walks and 55 strikeouts. But in his two starts in September he’s allowed 11 hits, 11 earned runs, walked six batters, and struck out just five in just 4.0 innings. His ERA in that span is a robust 24.75. Let’s hope that September ERA drops a bit tonight as he takes on the Milwaukee Brewers.
Somebody called it last night on the game thread. Thanks for the memories, Nate.
Welcome back, Sonny. Show us you are feeling 100% and up to the task of mowing down some Brew Crew.
I’d hate to see Jones go. He pitched well at times. Maybe he sticks around down at Prasco.
That opens up a big, huge opportunity for someone like Sal Romano. The slimmed down Sal has thrown well in his brief stints, 4 batters faced, 4 outs. Sal could get some of those innings that went to Jones, and maybe get the call before they put in Robert Stephenson in these last 5 games.
We need to see the Sonny Gray of his first 7 starts and not the Sonny of his last 2 starts.
I am somewhat surprised about Nate Jones, but I was hopeful they wouldn’t DFA Sal Romano. I’m also interested in seeing what Sal can do with the Driveline emphasis. This has been a lost year for Bob Steve.
I trust Jones more then Bob Steve.
Mildy surprising, as I thought he was above BobSteve and Romano. I wonder if it wasn’t dictated by options, clearly the Reds value those 2 longer term than Jones. He had his moments, maybe he’ll be back but it’s a bummer for him being a Reds fan and all that….to miss the playoff run with the Reds.
They are all out of options. But Jones is a free agent after the season, while the other two are not.
Yes but they are literally mop up pitchers. Nate Jones has been pitching high leverage with decent success. If they are all-in why hold on to mop up pitchers that are out of options just because you can renew their contract? Nobody trusts Bob Steve in high leverage do they? Or just admit Miley was a terrible signing and DFA him no one is going to pick him up because he can’t stay healthy and he makes too much money.
I too am surprised it was Jones and not Romano or Bob Steve. Both of those guys have options right?
Anyway, if we’re now complaining about the wrong mop up guys pitching in blowout wins, then life is good.
Speaking of life being good: Nationals beat the Phillies 5-1 in the first of the double-header. Reds are now a game up on both the Phillies and Giants.
None of the three had options.
Hope they get a useful piece if they’re able to trade Jones.
It seems there are plenty of relief pitching options over at Prasco. Kuhnel, Hendrix, Carpenter if they want a vet, the new guys,
I hope and pray our home town guy can be brought back up for the 40-man and into the future! If and when the fans are allowed back in and he’s no longer there, the Reds organization will be losing revenue. Nate has a huge local fan base!
I don’t feel that Jones will make it through. Someone is going to give him a shot. Tyler had such a solid year last year its too bad he hasn’t shown any of that this year. Romano… I just don’t have much faith in him at all. Too many games I watched him blow in years past.
Jones was not perfect by any means but he did pitch well in several games I watched and I was rooting for him all season cause of his successful past.
Hopefully he sneaks through and we can keep him but I have major doubts that it will happen.
Oops just realized I wrote Tyler above… I meant Bob Steve lol..
nate is a great pitcher another front office blunder as usual reds need new pitching coach players are way above his goofy theories. how many third strikes do we have take as usual no bunting tons double plays .