Shea

Spitzbarth

Spitzbarth signed a minor league contract with the Reds back in May and didn’t end up making an appearance for Cincinnati. The 28-year-old righty hasn’t appeared in the big leagues since the 2021 season when he made five appearances for the Pirates.

Spitzbarth last appeared in the majors during the 2021 campaign when he made five relief appearances for the Pirates. The 28-year-old righty spent last year in the Tigers’ minor league system between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo, finishing with a solid 2.85 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 46/32 K/BB ratio across 53 2/3 innings (44 appearances, two starts). He provides the Reds with some extra organizational relief depth.

The 27-year-old hurler appeared in five games for the Pirates during the 2021 season, registering a 3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 1/2 K/BB ratio over his five frames. He’ll add minor league bullpen depth for the Tigers.

Spitzbarth has been removed from the Pirates’ 40-man roster and has the option to elect free agency after clearing waivers earlier this week. The 27-year-old righty allowed two runs on four hits with a 1/2 K/BB ratio across five innings (five appearances) at the major-league level last season.

Miguel Yajure was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Spitzbarth, 26, has appeared in four games for the Pirates this season, posting a 4.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 1/2 K/BB ratio over four innings. He’ll function in middle relief over the final weekend of the season.

Spitzbarth has allowed two runs on four hits and two walks in four innings this season with the Bucs.

The right-hander will return to the majors to help replace JT Brubaker and Duane Underwood, who hit the injured on Sunday. Spitzbarth carries a 1.56 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in Triple-A this season over 40 1/3 innings.

The right-hander will then likely be sent back to Triple-A unless the Pirates decide they want to keep him up and make a corresponding move.

Spitzbarth made two scoreless appearances and his reward is a trip back to the minors. Waiver claim Anthony Banda has officially been added to the roster in his place.

Spitzbarth, 26, posted a 1.41 ERA and 25/13 K/BB ratio over 32 relief innings for Indy. He will be making his major league debut when he gets into a game.