After a 13-6 loss, the Reds shake up their bullpen for their July 1 game vs. the Red Sox, recalling Sam Moll. Can starter Brady Singer stop the bleeding?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
One night after the bullpen was forced into marathon duty in a 13-6 drubbing by the Red Sox, the Cincinnati front office has answered the call. In a flurry of Tuesday moves, the Reds summoned two fresh arms from Triple-A Louisville, hoping to stabilize the pitching staff and get back in the win column at historic Fenway Park.
After being taxed for 7 2/3 innings on Monday, the Reds' bullpen gets a boost from the return of veteran Sam Moll, who posted a 2.80 ERA over his last 76 appearances with the club.
The most significant news of the day came before a single pitch was thrown. To address a beleaguered bullpen, the Reds selected the contract of Sam Benschoter and recalled familiar lefty Sam Moll. Moll's return is particularly welcome; after battling an early-season injury, the reliable reliever brings his career 2.80 ERA with the Reds back to a unit in need. To make room, pitchers Joe La Sorsa and Connor Phillips were optioned to Triple-A Louisville, giving them a chance to reset. The moves signal a clear intent to manage innings and put the team in the best position to win now.
With the bullpen reset, all eyes turn to starter Brady Singer (7-6, 4.31 ERA) to deliver a quality start against Boston. The Reds need him to go deep into the game and hand a lead to the fresh arms. He'll face off against the Red Sox's Richard Fitts (0-3, 4.68 ERA), offering a favorable matchup on paper. Despite Monday's lopsided score, the offense showed life. Matt McLain racked up three hits, and Austin Hays launched a homer and drove in three, proving the bats are ready to support a strong pitching performance.
While the big league club focuses on Boston, the future is taking shape down on the farm. Double-A Chattanooga is the current hotbed of talent, led by a scorching hot Cam Collier. In his first 10 games at the level, Collier is hitting an absurd .382 with a .512 on-base percentage. Meanwhile, top pitching prospect Rhett Lowder continues to progress from his injury, with an eye on competing for a rotation spot next spring. With the upper levels of the minors looking a bit thin, the strength at Double-A gives the Reds intriguing options as the trade deadline approaches: hold onto the future, or deal from strength to make a push in the NL Central.
Tonight is more than just another game; it's a test of the team's resilience. With fresh arms in the bullpen and a chance to even the series, the Reds have an opportunity to wash away the bitter taste of Monday's loss. A strong outing from Singer could be the catalyst that turns the tide, not just in Boston, but for the crucial stretch of games ahead.
