Lisalverto

Bonilla

Bonilla, 22, made a full-time move to the bullpen this season and posted a 1.55 ERA while striking out 64 over 46 1/3 innings between High- and Double-A. It shouldn’t be too long before he’s ready to make his big league debut.

All expected moves. Bonilla posted a 1.64 ERA at Double-A Reading in 2012 and could make his major league debut at some point this season.

Bonilla was acquired from the Phillies in December as part of the Michael Young trade. The 22-year-old split last season between High-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading, posting a 1.55 ERA and 64 strikeouts over 46 1/3 innings. He’s a long shot to win a bullpen spot, but the Rangers obviously have high hopes for him.

Bonilla is now protected from being selected in December’s Rule 5 Draft. Acquired from the Phillies in the Michael Young deal, the 23-year-old had a rough time in Triple-A this past season, but he put up a 0.30 ERA and 50/9 K/BB ratio over 30 1/3 innings after being demoted to Double-A. The hard-thrower remains an intriguing relief prospect.

Bonilla registered a 3.97 ERA and 118/40 K/BB ratio in 111 innings (13 starts, 18 relief appearances) this past season between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City -- affiliates of the Dodgers. The 26-year-old is a three-time minor league All-Star with a career 10.1 K/9 in the minors and he represents another enticing project for Bucs pitching coach Ray Searage. Bonilla missed the 2015 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery after making his MLB debut with the Rangers in 2014.

Bonilla was designated for assignment by Pittsburgh last week to clear a roster spot for Pat Light. He could be a consideration for the Cincinnati rotation after posting a 3.97 ERA and 118/40 K/BB ratio in 111 innings (13 starts, 18 relief appearances) last season between the Double-A and Triple-A affiliates of the Dodgers. A long-relief role is probably more likely.

The move clears a roster spot for right-hander Pat Light, who was claimed off waivers from the Twins on Thursday. Bonilla, 26, posted a 3.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 118/40 K/BB ratio in 111 innings last season between the Double-A and Triple-A affiliates of the Dodgers. Pittsburgh had signed him to a one-year, $575,000 free agent contract in November.

Bonilla, who was claimed off waivers from the Pirates in February, had a 5.56 ERA and 12/5 K/BB ratio over 11 1/3 innings to begin the year in Triple-A. He’s set to pitch in middle relief. This will be the 26-year-old’s first stint in the majors since 2014 with the Rangers.

Bonilla allowed four runs over five relief innings Saturday, so the Reds needed a fresh bullpen arm. His spot will be taken by Ariel Hernandez.

Bonilla will make a spot start for the Reds on Saturday in San Francisco. The 26-year-old right-hander has allowed four earned runs in five innings this season at the major league level.