Cincinnati Reds bolster bullpen, send out starter

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

The Cincinnati Reds called up right-handed reliever Jesus Reyes on Friday.

The former Dayton Dragon replaces starter Tyler Mahle, who was sent to Triple-A Louisville.

The move is likely a result of two things: The bullpen being gassed and the need to get back to using a five-man rotation.

Reds relievers logged 6.1 innings in a 10-4 loss to the Washington Nationals on Thursday night, a direct result of Mahle being knocked out of the game in the second inning.

Keury Mella handled 4.1 of those innings, allowing just one run despite walking four and giving up three hits.

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Reyes has allowed one run in 6.2 innings in four appearances at Louisville. He started the season in Pensacola (Double-A).

The 25-year-old native of the Dominican Republic spent a day with the Reds earlier this season but did not get into a game, so he is still awaiting his big-league debut.

Five Reds have already seen their first MLB action this season: Alex Blandino, Tanner Rainey, Zach Weiss, Rosell Herrera and Brandon Dixon.

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Mahle is 7-9 on the season with a 4.95, but he’s been hit hard lately.

In his last seven games, the 23-year-old righty is 1-3 with an 8.04 ERA. He has pitched only 28 innings in that span and given up 25 earned runs on 40 hits and 18 walks and 29 strikeouts.

The Reds had been using a six-man rotation since the All-Star Break.

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