Brandon

Leibrandt

He cleared waivers and accepted his assignment. Leibrandt, 33, had the option to refuse the assignment. He’ll be available as a depth starter if the Reds need him this summer.

Leibrandt was just called up on Monday after posting a 5.23 ERA in 11 Triple-A starts this season. He was called up to pitch on Monday, with Chase Burns (illness) unable to pitch. He allowed five runs on 10 hits in six innings. It’s likely that he clears waivers and re-signs with the Reds on a minor league contract.

Leibrandt, 33, joins the Reds ready to provide innings after making 11 starts with a 5.23 ERA for Louisville. The journeyman previously pitched nine innings in the majors with the Marlins in 2020 and 6 1/3 innings for the Reds in 2024, amassing a 5.28 ERA.

Leibrandt holds an underwhelming 6.44 FIP and 11.8 percent strikeout rate across 15 1/3 big-league innings from 2020-2024. The 33-year-old southpaw spent last season in the Yankees’ system, compiling a 2.85 ERA — 4.62 FIP — 1.12 WHIP and 37/14 K/BB ratio across 41 innings at the Triple-A level. He made two relief appearances for Cincinnati back in 2024 and should have a chance to compete for a bullpen role in spring training.

The 32-year-old southpaw has an agreement in place to sign with the CTBC Brothers of Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League, so the Yankees let him out of his minor league deal. Leibrandt had posted a 2.85 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and a 37/14 K/BB ratio over 41 innings in his 10 appearances (nine starts).

29-year-old hurler Winans had a path to potentially crack the club’s Opening Day roster after the injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, but he struggled to a 5.02 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 14 1/3 innings in Grapefruit League action. He’ll open the season in the rotation at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and should get an opportunity to pitch for the Yankees at some point during the 2025 season.

It’s unclear whether or not the 31-year-old southpaw will receive an invitation to major league spring training. Leibrandt made two appearances with the Reds during the 2024 season, compiling a cringe-inducing 9.95 ERA, 2.05 WHIP and a 5/2 K/BB ratio across 6 1/3 innings of work. He’ll add depth from the left side of the Yankees’ bullpen.

Leibrandt made two appearances for the Reds this season, giving up seven runs over 6 1/3 innings in his first major league action since 2020. He’ll clear waivers and likely become a minor league free agent.

Leibrandt was recalled earlier this week, but he’s been sent down for a fresh arm. He has a 9.95 ERA in two appearances for Cincinnati this year.

Leibrandt is up to replace Brandon Williamson (arm) with Williamson placed on the 15-day injured list. Leibrandt will give the Reds a multi-inning option while he’s with the club.