Reds add bullpen depth for upcoming road trip

Stephens sent to Triple-A one day after winning debut

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Reds made four roster moves on Sunday before a 1:10 p.m. game against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park.

• The Reds optioned starting pitcher Jackson Stephens to Triple-A Louisville. Stephens earned the victory Saturday in his major-league debut, allowed three earned runs in five innings. The Reds beat the Cubs 5-3.

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• Stephens was demoted because the Reds need bullpen depth for their road trip to Colorado and Arizona this week. They promoted Asher  Wojciechowski from Triple-A.

The Reds intended to send Stephens back to Triple-A even before he made his start. Stephens likely will get another chance in the rotation after the All-Star break.

“He certainly didn’t hurt his chances with his performance yesterday,” Reds manager Bryan Price said.

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Stephens’ next scheduled start would have been Thursday in Colorado. The Reds have not announced who will start that game.

“We have a pitcher in mind,” Price said, “but we won’t share who that is until that pitcher is informed he’ll be making that start.

• The Reds moved starter Brandon Finnegan (left shoulder) to the 60-day disabled list.

• The Reds acquired minor league outfielder/first baseman Nick Longhi from the Boston Red Sox for international signing bonus pool space. Longhi, the ninth-ranked prospect in Boston’s organization, hit .262 with six home runs in Double-A.

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