CINCINNATI -- Beleaguered and beat up for much of the season, especially the past couple of games, the Reds' bullpen really needed an extra arm. That was the motivation behind recalling right-handed reliever Layne Somsen from Triple-A Louisville.
Outfielder Kyle Waldrop was optioned to Louisville to make room for Somsen. The move gives Cincinnati eight relievers and four bench players.
"We've had some short outings from the starters at times, and we've been trying to keep these games close with the bullpen," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Guys have been used a lot. It's just that time of year to have an eight-man bullpen. It makes more sense right now, with as much use I've asked these guys to do over the course of the last week or 10 days."
The bullpen entered Monday with a 6.59 ERA, ranked highest in the Major Leagues, and it has allowed at least one run in 25 of the last 26 games -- including a record streak of 23 in a row that was snapped on Friday.
This is the second promotion for Somsen, who was called up on April 25 for three days while outfielder Jay Bruce was on paternity leave. Somsen did not get into a game then to make his big league debut.
"I understood that Jay was on paternity leave, and that's the only reason I was here. That's fine with me. I was just glad for the opportunity," Somsen said. "I'd say I'm just a little more comfortable, if anything. I got to know the guys -- I got to know them in spring, but being in the Major Leagues and just having that experience now is going to help me today and as long as I stay up here."
Over his eight appearances for Louisville, the 26-year-old Somsen has a 1.29 ERA and a 0.857 WHIP over 14 innings. He has walked six and struck out 15.
Waldrop was just called up on Sunday, when outfielder Scott Schebler was optioned to Louisville. He also did not get into the game vs. the Brewers.
"After yesterday's four-inning start [by John Lamb before he was injured] and shredding the bullpen again, it's essential to get the eighth reliever up here," Price said.