CINCINNATI – Walks have been a big weakness for the Reds’ bullpen this season. And the demotion of the Major League leader among relievers in walks was among the roster moves the club made Saturday between games of its doubleheader.
Connor Phillips was optioned to Triple-A Louisville, along with reliever Jose Franco. To fill their places, the Reds activated lefty reliever Caleb Ferguson from the 15-day injured list and recalled right-handed reliever Zach Maxwell from Louisville.
Phillips, who came up down the stretch during a playoff run last season and emerged as one of the bullpen's most effective relievers, has a 5.53 ERA in 25 appearances that are tied for second in the big leagues. His 28 walks over 27 2/3 innings lead Major League relievers.
During Cincinnati's 8-1 loss to the Cardinals in Game 1 on Saturday, the deficit was only two runs in the seventh inning before Phillips issued a leadoff four-pitch walk to Iván Herrera. Phillips gave no look to first base before Herrera easily stole second, and he later allowed a two-run home run to Jordan Walker with one out.
“He’s just not throwing enough strikes," Reds manager Terry Francona said before the transactions were revealed. "We’re trying like crazy to kind of work with him on the running game and things like that. Because he’s blessed with a really good arm and he can spin it. But until he starts throwing the ball where he wants it, it can be a struggle.
“The other day, he did great. He’s just got to follow it up and be a little more consistent.”
Of his nine appearances in May, Phillips issued at least one walk in seven of them. That included walking all four batters he faced during a 17-7 loss at Pittsburgh on May 2. On May 7 at the Cubs, he tied a career high by allowing five runs on four hits and one walk over one inning.
Franco (the Reds’ No. 10 prospect) also pitched in Game 1 and allowed three runs on three hits and three walks in the final two innings. A starter at Louisville who has been up three times to fortify the bullpen, he will return to a rotation role and continue to stretch out his innings.
Ferguson, who was signed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract in December, has been out since Spring Training with a right oblique strain. He had eight appearances on a rehab assignment with Louisville and Double-A Chattanooga, and he was originally scheduled to appear for Louisville on Saturday evening.
Maxwell (No. 17 prospect) made his big league debut for the Reds last season and appeared in one game for Cincinnati this season. On May 1 vs. the Pirates, he allowed four runs on three hits - including two homers - and two walks in one inning of work. At Louisville this season, he is 2-0 with a 3.50 ERA and two saves.
The Reds' bullpen leads the Majors in walks with 130, while the entire pitching staff is third with 239. Cincinnati relievers also have the third-highest ERA (5.11) in baseball after having the best ERA as recently as April 28.