Josh

Staumont

Staumont returns to Cincinnati’s relief mix after missing all of last season with an undisclosed injury that he suffered during spring training. The 32-year-old was a high-leverage arm with the Royals a couple seasons ago before undergoing surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome back in 2023. He’ll presumably compete for a spot in the Reds’ season-opening bullpen, assuming he’s fully healthy, entering spring training.

Staumont was signed to a minor league contract in February, and the 31-year-old didn’t show enough to be a candidate for the Cincinnati bullpen this spring. The right-hander will begin the season with Triple-A Louisville.

Sporting an ugly 18/14 K/BB in 24 1/3 innings, Staumont was released by the Twins last August in spite of a 3.70 ERA. He’s typically been skilled at avoiding the home run ball, which is important in Cincinnati. Still, he’s probably not going to make much of a contribution.

Staumont made just two relief appearances with Triple-A Iowa after signing a minor league pact with the Cubs earlier this month. The 30-year-old righty made 25 relief appearances earlier this season for the Twins before being cut loose in late July.

Staumont passed through waivers unclaimed after being removed from Minnesota’s 40-man roster earlier this week at the trade deadline. The 30-year-old righty was effective this season for the Twins in middle relief and shouldn’t have a problem finding a new opportunity elsewhere.

Staumont was designated for assignment to make room for the newly acquired Trevor Richards. Staumont had a 3.70 ERA in 25 appearances, but allowed 10 runs in his last 4 2/3 innings for the Twins.

The 30-year-old hurler had been rehabbing his left calf strain at Triple-A St. Paul and he’ll stay there a bit longer as he continues to build back up. Expect him to return to the Twins’ bullpen at some point in May.

Staumont landed on the injured list at the conclusion of spring training with a left calf strain and should be ready to make his Twins debut at some point later this month, barring any setbacks.

Staumont enters the 2024 season coming off of thoracic outlet surgery last July, which is usually a tough surgery for pitchers to recover from. He appeared in seven spring games this season where he posted a 5.40 ERA and a 5/7 K/BB ratio.

Staumont averaged 94.1 mph with his fastball today, down from 95.8 mph last year and 98.1 mph when he was at his best in 2020. Really, though, that’s not bad at all for someone who underwent a major surgery seven months ago. Unless injuries strike, there’s probably just one spot on the Twins staff open for Staumont, Louie Varland, Jorge Alcala and Kody Funderburk. Staumont does have an option left, so he’s something of an underdog to make the team at the moment.