Robert

Dugger

Dugger hasn’t appeared in the majors since making 27 appearances (13 starts) from 2019-2022 between the Marlins, Rays, Reds and Mariners. The 29-year-old righty will head to Triple-A Round Rock as extra organizational pitching depth.

Dugger returns stateside following a disastrous six-start run with the SSG Landers of the Korea Baseball Organization. The 28-year-old righty spent all of last year at Triple-A Oklahoma City in the Dodgers’ organization and has made 27 appearances (13 starts) in the majors between the Marlins, Rays, Reds and Mariners from 2019 to 2022.

Dugger can earn up to $900,000 through performance-based incentives. The 28-year-old righty takes his talents to Korea after spending this past season in the Rangers’ minor league system. He made four appearances during the 2022 campaign between the Reds and Rays.

He’ll join Triple-A Round Rock. Dugger, 27, had a 6.19 ERA in 16 innings for the Rays and Reds last season.

Dugger cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and will seek a job elsewhere rather than accept an outright.

Dugger landed on the injured list back in early August with a right shoulder injury after allowing 11 runs over 16 innings (four appearances, one start) this season between the Rays and Reds. The 27-year-old righty will likely elect free agency and pursue a new opportunity for the 2023 season.

Dugger walked one batter and needed 14 pitches (four strikes) to spin a scoreless frame in his rehab assignment debut. The 27-year-old righty has been on the shelf since early August due to a right shoulder injury.

Dugger has missed the last month with a sore pitching shoulder but is almost ready to test things out in games. He could rejoin the Reds’ rotation or bullpen later this season if he continues to progress.

It’s unclear how long Dugger will be sidelined, but it doesn’t sound like a serious concern as the Reds simply needed to free up a spot on the active roster for Monday’s start Justin Dunn to get the call up from the minors. There should be an update on his status at some point this week. The 27-year-old righty has made three appearances (one start) this season for the Reds.

After walking Christian Yelich to start the game, Dugger served up a two-run homer to Rowdy Tellez. A single and a base hit would put two more runners on base in the second inning before Tyrone Taylor took Dugger deep for a three run shot. The 27-year-old right-hander hung in there for two more innings before his day was done at 73 pitches -- only 39 for strikes. Dugger carries a 6.19 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, and 19 strikeouts across 16 innings. Another start would come against the Mets in New York next week.