Cincinnati Reds DFA Tim Melville, promote J.C Ramirez

Trying to find a working formula, the Cincinnati Reds have done some more shuffling in the bullpen.

After Thursday’s game, it wasn’t hard to see this one coming. The Reds announced today that they’ve designated right-handed pitcher Tim Melville for assignment, while purchasing the contract another righty, J.C. Ramirez, to take the vacant roster spot.

Melville was called up as an emergency starter in the first week of the season when it was determined Anthony DeSclafani was not ready to come off the disabled list. Neither of his two starts went well and he was demoted to the bullpen to serve as the new long reliever. He made just one relief appearance — in Thursday’s 16-0, no-hit loss — and it was an equally poor showing.

In nine total innings, the 26-year-old allowed 12 runs (11 earned), 16 hits and five home runs, while registering more walks (9) than strikeouts (8). It’d be a surprise if any team claimed him on waivers, so he’ll likely return to Triple-A Louisville.

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Taking Melville’s place is another offseason minor-league signee in Ramirez. The Reds saw plenty of the 27-year-old in spring training, when he posted a 5.63 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in eight innings. He’s been rock solid to start the year in Louisville, allowing no runs in six innings and striking out 10 against three walks. The Reds are hoping Ramirez’s hot start in Triple-A will carry over and he can bring some stability to the ‘pen.

Watching him in spring, it was clear Ramirez has good stuff and possesses a power arm. However, he hasn’t been able to put it all together in his professional career, due largely to control issues. In 11 seasons in the minors, he has an uninspiring 4.13 ERA with 3.6 walks per nine innings. He also has some experience in the majors, as he pitched in 18 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2013 and a combined 20 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners last year. In 47.2 big-league innings, he has a 6.42 ERA with a 4.9 BB/9.

The Reds also announced on Friday that reliever Keyvius Sampson has cleared waivers and reported to Triple-A. He was designated for assignment on Wednesday to make room for Drew Hayes on the 40-man roster. Sampson allowed four runs, four hits and four walks in three innings this season.