The Cincinnati Reds made a few roster moves today. Alexis Diaz has been activated from the 15-day injured list. To clear a spot on the roster the team designated right-handed pitcher Robert Dugger for assignment.
For Robert Dugger this is a tale as old as time, or so it probably feels like it anyways. This was the third time this year that the Cincinnati Reds have designated him for assignment and the fourth time this season it’s happened (Tampa Bay designated him for assignment on May 2nd and the Reds claimed him two days later). It’s the 6th time in his career he’s been designated for assignment – all in the last two years.
Yesterday the team purchased his contract – which is just a technical way of saying they added him to the 40-man roster – and called him up to the big leagues between games of the Reds and Pirates doubleheader. He would make it into the second game, throwing 3.2 shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking two batters, and striking out five. The right-hander now has 17 strikeouts and three walks to go along with a 4.50 ERA in three games this year in the big leagues between his time with both Tampa Bay and Cincinnati. As a player who has been designated for assignment previously, if he clears waivers he will have the right to accept the assignment to the minors or to choose free agency.
Alexis Diaz last pitched on June 14th for the Reds when he was charged with an unearned run in an inning of work. Getting Diaz back should help the bullpen out, and it’s a bullpen that could use as much help as it can get. The rookie right-hander has a 2.40 ERA on the season in 27 appearances this year with just 14 hits allowed in 30.0 innings with 36 strikeouts and 16 walks.
TySteve next?
Too bad for Dugger. Hope he stays in the organization.
Dugger has the second best strike-out-the-batter percentage (K%) of eleven relief pitchers. I hope he goes to Louisville and comes back quickly again!
For his sake, I hope he refuses the assignment to Louisville and becomes a FA. After his appearance yesterday, I thought the Reds would give him an extended look and send Moreta down as he has options. To me, both he and Sanmartin work well coming in after the hard throwing starters we have, as they both mix in off speed pitches well.
Agree. The only reason I can think of is that he’ll likely need a few days of rest before he’s available again. But I really liked that he threw strikes, especially with his offspeed pitches. Moreta has a big-time arm but is still a work in progress–at least we hope for progress.
I agree again with you SteveO. Why not keep someone who actually throws strikes for a change. He pitched 3 innings, he should have been ready in 3-4 days. There are plenty of underperforming relievers on the roster that can be demoted without losing them (but why worry about losing them!).
Also, I think we would be wise to only give Castillo this one start tonight before the All-star break and pitch Dugger in his spot the next couple outing. There is absolutely no reason to risk and injury to the player before you trade him. Keep him at 80 pitches max. Just like when New Orleans knew they had to trade Anthony Davis. They kept him on the bench for weeks until a trade was negotiated. That is what you have to do to ensure the talent stays at max trade value.
I feel sorry for Dugger, it should be frustrating for him. Welcome back Alexis DÃaz, tonight should be on the mound for sure hopefully to hold a lead…
We need another good outing by Castillo tonight. A few more after tonight and we should get a sweet return for him. Whatever happens, no injuries please!
No that I am excited to see him go but this team isn’t going to win anytime soon.
His era is sitting at 3.00. Would be nice to get him it 2.85 or so before the deadline.
Ha, We just won real soon!
Dugger needs to go to Louisville because he will be back in the Reds bullpen very soon. He is performing well. The timing is off for now. Let’s keep Dugger in this organization, coaches!