The Cincinnati Reds recently made a strategic roster move by selecting the contract of left-handed reliever Reiver Sanmartin from Triple-A Louisville, granting him his first major league appearance since May 2023. The move came as the team found itself in a bullpen game after starter Nick Lodolo was scratched due to illness. As part of the corresponding move, fellow lefty Sam Moll was optioned to make room for Sanmartin on the active roster.
Sanmartin’s season with Triple-A Louisville showcased consistency and resilience. Over 41 games (including two starts), he delivered a strong 2.79 ERA, accumulating 44 strikeouts to just 17 walks in 58 innings of work. His performance in August was particularly impressive, going 3–0 with a stellar 1.20 ERA and tallying 11 strikeouts over 15 innings spanning nine appearances.
This call-up holds deeper significance considering Sanmartin was sidelined for much of 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His last MLB appearance before this return was on May 7, 2023, before elbow issues curtailed his season. His October 2023 minor league deal allowed him to rebuild his form, culminating in this hard-earned return.
Sanmartin’s big-league stats before his injury were a mixed bag. In his debut year of 2021, he shined with a 1.54 ERA in 11.2 innings over two starts, but by 2022, his ERA ballooned to 6.32 across 57 innings in 45 appearances. The 2023 season saw continued struggles—a 7.07 ERA over 14 innings—before his elbow troubles hit .
Upon his return to the major league mound, Sanmartin was tasked with 1.2 innings during the Reds’ high-scoring 12–9 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. He yielded one unearned run in that outing. However, his return was short-lived, as the Reds promptly optioned him back to Louisville in favor of recalling the fresher right-hander, Lyon Richardson.
This pattern underscores how fragile a return from Tommy John surgery can be—players often must prove their stamina, effectiveness, and consistency over time before securing a more permanent roster spot. Sanmartin’s brief stint was an important restart, but may not be the last opportunity he’ll need.
Looking ahead, Sanmartin’s trajectory will depend on how he rebounds in Triple-A—and if future opportunities arise in Cincinnati. With the bullpen in flux due to injuries or inconsistent performance from others, the left-hander’s experience and improving form could make him a valuable asset, especially if he can replicate his Triple-A success at the big‑league level.
In summary, Reiver Sanmartin’s return to the majors is both a milestone in his personal comeback and a calculated move by the Reds amid pitching challenges. His strong showing in Louisville laid the foundation, and even though his MLB stint was brief, it may foreshadow more opportunities if he keeps pitching effectively and the team’s bullpen dynamics remain in flux.
