Johnson (right elbow) activated off IL; Garcia called up for MLB debut
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Before the Reds started their series against divisional-rival Brewers, the club announced a flurry of roster moves.
The Reds announced that they have activated reliever Pierce Johnson (right elbow inflammation) from the 15-day injured list, selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Julian Garcia from Triple-A Louisville, optioned right-handed pitcher Zach Maxwell back to Louisville and designated right-handed pitcher Chris Paddack for assignment.
Johnson has been out of action since May 26, when he pitched two-thirds of an inning against the Mets. He made a rehab start with Louisville on Friday, as he allowed one run on two innings in one inning in Louisville's 9-8 loss in eight innings vs. Gwinnett.
"I feel really good," Johnson said on Sunday before he was activated off the IL. "It was a good outing ... [and] it's a great crew down there. ... I really appreciate all the care they've given me and how we've gone about it. We've been really cautious."
Garcia, 31, will be making his MLB debut when he makes his first appearance with the Reds. He was a 10th-round pick in the 2016 Draft by the Phillies. He joined Cincinnati last season and he pitched with Double-A Chattanooga. This season, he has largely been in a relief role with Louisville, as he is 3-0 with a 3.03 ERA in 21 games (two starts). In June, he has a 0.73 ERA in six appearances (including both of his starts this season), as he has allowed one run in 12 1/3 innings with 17 strikeouts.
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Maxwell struggled in his second stint in the Majors this season. In seven appearances since he was called up from Triple-A on May 23, he is 0-1 with an 8.53 ERA. Control has been his primary issue, as he has permitted seven walks in 6 1/3 innings in that span.
Paddack was signed by the Reds on May 13 after the Marlins released him on May 10. With the Reds, Paddack made six appearances (three starts) and he went 0-2 with a 6.04 ERA. He last made an appearance for the Reds on Wednesday when he allowed two runs in 4 1/3 innings of bulk relief against the Mets.