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.
An MRI showed no significant issues in the elbow and Johnson was given a cortisone injection.
“The recovery hadn’t been there, but the MRI came out great. So, it’s great news," Johnson said. "It shouldn’t be long. Just take it day-to-day and hopefully be back there in 15 days.”
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.
"He just was a little cranky with the elbow so we stayed away from him for a couple of days," manager Terry Francona said. "Today, he was going to go out and try to throw and it just wasn’t feeling better. So it just didn’t seem to make sense to try to maybe wait another day and have him pitch once and then to be feeling bad again. That’s not fair. So we made the move before the game and got Lyon here.”
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.
Johnson reported his elbow was already feeling better after getting the injection.
"It’s just one of those things you’ve got to take care of," he said. "I want to be here for the long haul. I don’t want to do anything stupid. We’ve already had two backend guys go down and the last thing I want to do is jeopardize that for the team.”