Sam

Moll

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.

There’s a good chance Moll’s season is over, but he’ll miss at least the next two weeks with the designation. The left-hander has been one of their better relief options this year with a 3.35 ERA and 38/14 K/BB over 37 2/3 innings in 48 appearances.

Moll is back where he belongs. He had a 0.00 ERA in five innings before a roster crunch got him sent down to Triple-A.

On the surface, the move may seem surprising because Moll has not allowed a run in five innings while striking out four and walking none. However, Moll was one of three Reds relievers with minor league options remaining. The other two are Alexis Diaz and Francisco Cruz, who are clearly not being demoted. Any other reliever sent to the minors would have had to be designated for assignment. Frankie Montas is expected to be activated off the IL later in the week in a corresponding move.

After opening the season on the injured list, Moll will join Cincinnati’s bullpen mix that has been middle of the pack so far posting a 3.92 team ERA, which ranks 16th among MLB. The 32-year-old veteran pitched a career-high 62 1/3 innings with the Athletics and Reds last season with a 3.03 ERA and 68/30 K/BB ratio.

This is good news for Moll who opens the season on the injured list with a left shoulder injury. The 32-year-old was acquired by the Reds last July and is expected to join Cincinnati’s bullpen mix when he is cleared to return.