The Cincinnati Reds have optioned right-handed pitcher José De León to Triple-A Louisville this morning. Taking his place on the roster is left-handed reliever Cionel Pérez who was recalled from Triple-A Louisville.
This move could be made simply due to the fact that you need fresh arms and after pitching yesterday and throwing 39 pitches, José De León simply won’t be available for a few days. But he’s also really struggled lately, too. In his last five outings he’s given up multiple runs in each, allowing nine runs on 11 hits and four walks in 7.0 innings (11.57 ERA in this span). Command and control has been an issue for the right-handed pitcher this season. While he’s struck out 33 batters in 18.1 innings, he’s walked 11 and hit two others while also missing in the middle of the zone a bit too frequently. It’s resulted in an ERA of 8.35 and a WHIP of 1.80 thus far in his nine games.
Left-handed reliever Cionel Pérez returns to Cincinnati after a brief stint with the Reds alternate site team and one day with the Triple-A Louisville Bats – minor league opening day was yesterday. Pérez pitched in 10 games in April with the Reds. Like De León he struggled with his control. The lefty walked eight batters with eight strikeouts in just 8.2 innings pitched. That led to an ERA of 8.31 and a WHIP of 1.62 in his limited action with the club.
With the Triple-A season just getting started the Reds could get a few more looks at some guys if they need to make future moves in the bullpen. Newcomer to the organization Ashton Goudeau joins Louisville’s bullpen with fellow 40-man relievers Art Warren and Hector Perez , while starting pitchers Vladimir Gutierrez, Tony Santillan, and Riley O’Brien could also be potential options to look at if the organization chooses to look in that direction for a 2-3 inning reliever.
Move those deck chairs around some more. I agree most likely a fresh arms move. Let the new AAA guys pitch for awhile to see who may be ready to contribute
Losing Garrett, bringing up a David Bell matchup leftie. Not to mention Jose is hitting barn doors right now.
Cionel Perez is young (25) and the Reds need lefties in relief. Maybe their highly regarded pitching coaching staff can get Cionel on the right track.
I would like to see what Art Warren could do in the bullpen. I know spring is a small sample size but he seemed to do well there. Should be at least worth a look.