Reds: 3 players who could be optioned when Shogo Akiyama returns

3. Reds designate Sal Romano for assignment.

The Cincinnati Reds have already done it once, and it may be time to designate Sal Romano for assignment once again. The former starter turned reliever is out of minor-league options, so removing Romano from the 26-man roster would require that the Reds make Big Sally available via waivers.

Now, after his last performance, it’s highly unlikely that another club takes a chance on Romano, and the right-hander could very easily be outrighted to Triple-A Louisville. Seeing as how the Reds are in need of more bullpen arms, designating Romano for assignment may be the most prudent move in order to get Shogo Akiyama onto the roster.

No, a spot on the 40-man roster isn’y necessary, but why allow Sal Romano to occupy that spot if another free agent could be signed? Cincinnati has used umpteen different relievers so far this season, and outside of Lucas Sims and Tejay Antone, I don’t know who Bell sees as a reliable arm out of his bullpen. The team just released Phillip Diehl yesterday in order to add Ashton Goudeau.

Romano, a former 23rd round selection of the Cincinnati Reds, suffered through one of the worst outings we’ve seen from this bullpen so far in 2021. In just 0.2 innings, Romano walked four batters, struck out only one, and allowed six runs on four hits. It was definitely not a day that Romano wants to remember.

The Cincinnati Reds could easily choose to designate Sal Romano for assignment and allow him to continue to work at Triple-A Louisville. If the team feels as though it’s in their best interest to part ways, a release could be in order as well. Either way, it doesn’t seem like Romano will be with the big league club for much longer.