CINCINNATI -- A Reds bullpen that's already burdened by dwindling numbers lost another reliever on Saturday, when veteran right-hander Pierce Johnson was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
To replace Johnson, the Reds selected the contract of reliever Lyon Richardson from Triple-A Louisville. And to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Richardson, right-handed reliever Kyle Nicolas was designated for assignment.
Johnson is the third Cincinnati reliever to go on the IL, as he joined closer Emilio Pagán (left hamstring) and setup man Graham Ashcraft (right UCL sprain). Pagán has been out since May 6, while Ashcraft went on the 60-day IL on Friday.
Another reliever expected to play a key role this season, Connor Phillips, was sent down to Louisville on May 23 after prolonged control issues and struggles.
Johnson, 35, signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the Reds in January. In 24 appearances, he is 2-1 with a 3.27 ERA and one save. He has stranded 10 of 12 inherited runners.
On Tuesday vs. the Mets, in his most recent outing, Johnson allowed one hit over two-thirds of a scoreless eighth inning during a 7-2 win.
Richardson is a familiar face, having made 39 appearances for the Reds over multiple big league callups since 2023, posting a 6.05 ERA. In 18 games for Louisville, the right-hander has a 4.75 ERA.