The Cincinnati Reds are getting a key piece back in their bullpen.
The Reds announced on Monday that they're activating right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson from the 15-day injured list and are selecting the contract of Julian Garcia from Triple-A Louisville. Cincinnati also announced that they're optioning Zach Maxwell to Triple-A Louisville and have designated Chris Paddack for assignment.
Johnson last pitched for the Reds on May 26 before landing on the IL with right elbow inflammation. The righty appeared in just one rehab game for Louisville on Friday, allowing one earned run on 17 pitches in an inning of work.
The Reds signed Johnson to a one-year, $6.5 million deal in the offseason to work as a setup man out of the bullpen. In 24 games this season, the 35-year-old is 2-1 with a 3.27 ERA, 20 strikeouts, one save and a WHIP of 1.23 across 20.1 innings pitched.
As for the other roster moves, Cincinnati is also adding the aforementioned Garcia to their bullpen, who will get his first taste of the big-leagues. In 21 games at Triple-A this season, the 31-year-old logged a 3.03 ERA with 54 strikeouts and a 1.07 WHIP in 35.2 innings of work. Garcia will now have a chance to make a name for himself with the Reds after spending over a decade in the minor leagues.
Maxwell's stint with the Reds lasted just 10 outings, posting a 9.90 ERA while allowing 14 hits and three home runs in 10 innings.
The journeyman Paddack was just a place holder in the Reds' rotation due to the injuries the staff has been dealt with this season. After being released by the Miami Marlins on May 10, Paddack inked a one-year deal with Cincinnati just three days later.
In six appearances (three starts) for the Reds, the righty went 0-2 with a 6.04 ERA, 12 punchouts and a WHIP of 1.66 in 22.1 innings. Paddack is now likely to hit free agency for a second time this year after going unclaimed when Miami released him.
The Reds are beginning a three-game series tonight against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers.
