Unexpected Roster Adjustment by the Reds opens the Path for the Comeback of their Starting Pitcher.

The Cincinnati Reds have announced the optioning of left-handed pitcher Sam Moll to Triple-A on Monday, preceding starter Frankie Montas’s expected return to the rotation for Tuesday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Montas’s impending return necessitated a roster move, with the Reds already carrying 13 pitchers. The decision to send down Moll came as a surprise.

Reds rotation vs Diamondbacks:

Tues: Montas
Weds: Ashcraft
Thur: Greene

Obviously there will need to be a corresponding roster move for when Montas comes off the IL.

— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) May 6, 2024

Montas, who is set to start Tuesday’s game, has been sidelined since April 22 due to injury. His last full start on April 15 saw him exit in the first inning after being hit by a line drive. Despite a rough outing prior to his injury, Montas holds a 2-2 record with a 4.19 ERA this season.

With Montas’s activation, the rotation undergoes positive changes. The logical choice to make room for him is to remove Nick Martinez, who has performed better in relief appearances than as a starter.

The Reds have optioned Sam Moll, who hasn’t allowed a run this year and posted a 0.73 ERA with the Reds last year.

Moll was one of three Reds relievers with options (the other two are Diaz and Cruz). Any other reliever would have had to be DFAd.

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) May 6, 2024

Moll, recently activated from the injured list, now returns to Triple-A following Montas’s return. Despite his strong performances in the bullpen, there has been a noticeable decrease in his pitch velocity, potentially due to his recovery from a left shoulder injury. A stint in the minors may aid in regaining his form.

While Moll was not the least deserving candidate for demotion, the decision appears to have been influenced by roster dynamics. Alexis Díaz and Fernando Cruz, the other bullpen pitchers with options, were less likely candidates for demotion.

The Reds’ pitching staff has been a bright spot this season, and Montas’s return to the rotation alongside Martinez’s bullpen role strengthens it further.