Reds designate Sam Moll for assignment on Sunday

Moll had been designated for assignment by the Reds on Sunday after registering a 4.79 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and a 56/30 K/BB ratio over 65 appearances. He should land somewhere else soon.

Working with a 6-3 lead in the ninth, Santillan gave up a walk and a single with one out. He then retired Sandy León, who had already replaced Chadwick Tromp behind the plate and thus couldn’t realistically been lifted for a pinch-hitter. That brought up Ronald Acuña Jr., however, and an RBI single followed. Lefty Sam Moll took over at that point and walked Michael Harris II before retiring Matt Olson on a groundout. It went as Moll’s first save and Santillan’s 11th hold. Santillan still looks like the favorite for saves in Cincinnati with Graham Ashcraft and Pierce Johnson joining Emilio Pagán on the injured list, but he just hasn’t impressed of late. Terry Francona won’t like it, but he’ll probably have to do some mixing and matching.

The Reds are hopeful that it’s just a minor issue and that once Ferguson is shut down for a couple of weeks it will be alleviated. His absence will open a spot in the team’s Opening Day roster for someone else to win a spot — perhaps Sam Moll or Brandon Williamson to operate as a second left-hander out of the Reds’ bullpen.

Moll was ineffective with a 6.38 ERA in 23 appearances in 2025, but the left-hander will get a chance to earn a spot as a lefty specialist in the Cincinnati bullpen this spring.

Typically an effective lefty reliever, Moll has posted a 6.38 ERA in 23 appearances this season. He’s likely in line to be non-tendered this winter.

Moll gave up four runs over two innings for the Reds over the first two weeks of the season, went on the IL with a shoulder impingement and had been stuck in Triple-A since returning in May. Given that he had a 7.79 ERA for Louisville, he’d still be there if the Reds weren’t in need of fresh arms. Previously an effective left-handed reliever, Moll has a 3.60 ERA and 168 strikeouts in 162 1/3 innings as a major leaguer.

Moll has been on the IL with a shoulder impingement since April 14th, so his rehab time had run out. Instead of putting him in the MLB bullpen, the Reds will have him continue to work in the minor leagues.

Moll was placed on the injured list with a shoulder impingement on April 14, though since the move was retroactive to April 11, he’ll be eligible to return Saturday. The Reds could make a move then or hold off until they return home on Monday. Alternatively, they might send him down, since he, Alexis Díaz and Graham Ashcraft are their only relievers with options.

Moll hadn’t pitched since giving up three runs on Apr. 6. With the Reds off today, no corresponding move was announced. The team could activate Alexis Díaz from the injured list on Tuesday if it deems him ready.

Moll, 33, spent some time in Triple-A early last season because he was one of the unfortunate few on the Reds with options, and he missed most of the final month with a left shoulder impingement. When he was able to pitch, he had a 3.35 ERA in 37 2/3 innings, putting him right at his career mark of 3.42 to date.