Julian

Garcia

He allowed a leadoff walk and Colson Montgomery was about five feet short of a game-tying homer before Edgar Quero hit an RBI single. Sam Antonacci hit a sharp line drive right up the middle that Elly De La Cruz was able to spear down to finish off the game. Garcia appearing here was a bit of an eyecatcher with Emilio Pagán having not pitched yesterday, so we’ll keep an eye out for quotes about this but Pagán has already been on the injured list for a lot of this season, has pitched just once in eight days, and may be being used judiciously even if he is healthy.

Working with a three-run lead, Garcia gave up back-to-back singles with one out but then retired Masyn Winn and José Fermín to end the game. Garcia, a 31-year-old rookie, has a 2.93 ERA in 15 1/3 innings since being called up last month. He could be part of a committee situation in the ninth if the Reds trade closer Emilio Pagán before the deadline.

Garcia was released by the Phillies after the 2022 season, but he kept pitching in indy ball and joined the Reds’ Double-A affiliate late last season. After moving back to the pen this year, he had a 3.03 ERA and a 54/12 K/BB in 35 2/3 innings for Triple-A Louisville. No word yet on whose roster spot he’ll be claiming.