Options for the bullpen at Louisville

The Reds have gone the majority of the season so far with an inconsistent bullpen. With the exceptions of Aroldis Chapman, Sam LeCure, and Jonathan Broxton, the team's options in the bullpen have not lived up to expectations. The middle relief pitchers are not getting the job done right now. Logan Ondrusek and JJ Hoover, who each had ERA's in the 3's last year, have posted ERA's in the 5's this season with opposing batting averages in the .240's. Hoover and Ondrusek each have had major control problems with their pitches, and Ondrusek was just demoted back to the minor leagues.

Curtis Parch and Manny Parra also are not ideal pitchers to have on the MLB ball club. Parch and Parra are not highly sought after players, and probably wouldn't be in the majors if not for injuries to established professionals. Luckily for the Reds, there are a few options they could turn to in Triple A Louisville. Greg Reynolds, Yohan Pino, Jose Diaz, and Mark Prior have each pitched well enough to get a call up to Cincinnati.

Prior might be the best option for the Reds if they want a short term option to bridge the gap for the trade market to open up and for players on the DL to return. He has big league experience as recent as last season with the Red Sox, and knows how to play for a team managed by Dusty Baker. Prior currently has a 4.66 ERA, but has only pitched in a total of 7 games. He is a fresh arm who could give the Reds a productive inning during games based on his baseball acumen from being in the league for so many years with the Cubs as a star in the early to mid 2000's.

Greg Reynolds has been lights out as a starter for Louisville this season. If the Reds want to experiment a switch to the bullpen from a minor league pitcher in the rotation, Reynolds could be the answer. Reynolds is 7-0 with a 2.51 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. The Reds have moved a starter into the bullpen with great success in the past with names such as Alfredo Simon and even Mike Leake. Reynolds has the ability to get hitters out consistently. 

Pino and Diaz each have bounced around the minors throughout their careers. They have soured to a fast start this season. Pino and Diaz each have ERA's below 2.5, but both have walked a lot of batters. The Reds are going to have to think about replacing Parch soon, and they have a number of players who haven't been able to pitch in the big leagues yet that deserve opportunities.