John Fay tweets that Cincy inked Manny Parra, last of the Milwaukee Brewers, and designated Todd Redmond for assignment.

July 7, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Parra throws a pitch against the Houston Astros in the sixth inning at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Brewers 6-3. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

Two things here…

First, I was a bit befuddled when the Reds signed Redmond to a major league deal. He will go down in Reds “lore” as being “the guy” that gained a start and thus “preventing” all 2012 Reds starters from starting all 162 games of the season. He hurled the second game of a double-header against the Cubs (which was a make-up game) and lasted only 3.1 innings.

Second, about Parra. Sure he’s a lefty. He also has experience as both a starter and a reliever. I have serious doubts that being a starter played into this decision. Again, he’s a lefty, but his career splits against lefty batters are not impressive: .267/.349/.417.

Parra’s GABP numbers aren’t horrible (2-1, 4.50 ERA, 1.633 WHIP), but they won’t knock your socks off either. This might be more of a signal that there is very little available as far as lefty relief arms. In fact, there’s practically none.

Look at the Parra signing as a grab, and I doubt you would get any substantial argument. Then again, the only other lefty reliever on what we could project to be the 25-man is Sean Marshall.

Well, you may feel inclined to also point to another: Aroldis Chapman.

I know. I may have started something.