CINCINNATI -- Faced with a bullpen game on Tuesday, the Reds summoned a fresh arm by selecting the contract of lefty reliever Reiver Sanmartin from Triple-A Louisville. Another lefty, Sam Moll, was optioned as a corresponding move.
In 41 games for Louisville this season (including two starts), Sanmartin is 6-2 with a 2.79 ERA, 17 walks and 44 strikeouts over 58 innings. His last big league game was with the Reds on May 7, 2023.
“He’s got some length to him," manager Terry Francona said.
Sanmartin, 29, had a 5.77 ERA in 61 games -- including six starts -- for Cincinnati from 2021-23. He had Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in July 2023 and eventually found himself removed from the 40-man roster before working his way back to the Majors.
After a rough beginning to this season, Sanmartin became more effective for Louisville and manager Pat Kelly. In August, he was 3-0 with a 1.20 ERA, four walks and 11 strikeouts over nine appearances totaling 15 innings.
“It’s been kind of a work in progress coming back," Francona said. "Lately, he’s been very good. [He’s] up to three innings. PK was literally texting me a little bit ago and said he’s been good. I don’t know him like everybody does here, but it sounds like he’s an easy guy to pull for.”
Moll has a 6.38 ERA over 23 appearances with the Reds this season in what's been a down year after successful 2023-24 seasons for the club.
Sanmartin was needed after pitcher Nick Lodolo was scratched from his scheduled start vs. the Blue Jays because of illness. Reliever Scott Barlow was slated to open the game for Cincinnati. In addition, the Reds also designated lefty Joe La Sorsa for assignment.
“He had a high temperature and chills. He tried to fight through it. We sent him to the doctor," Francona said of Lodolo.