Reds: 3 minor-league replacements for injured Wade Miley

3. Vladimir Gutierrez, Reds right-handed pitcher

For my money, Vladimir Gutierrez is the Cincinnati Reds best option to replace Wade Miley in the rotation. The right-hander, much like Tony Santillan, has been among the best pitching prospects in Cincinnati’s farm system for sometime now, and it’s time for the Cuban native to get his opportunity at the big league level.

Gutierrez is ranked as the 12th overall prospect in the Cincinnati Reds farm system according to MLB Pipeline, and No. 17 according to FanGraphs. The right-hander was suspended for the entirety of the 2020 season and the first few weeks of 2021 after testing positive for PEDs last year.

Gutierrez is a bit more refined than Santillan, as the former international signee has a four-pitch mix and is said to have the best curveball in the Reds farm system. Scouts reference his changeup as an above-average pitch as well.

Based on his current schedule, Vladimir Gutierrez would be in line to pitch on four days rest during the Reds upcoming series with the Chicago Cubs. On the young minor league season, Gutierrez is 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA, 31.3% strikeout-rate and 11.12 K/9.

Another name to keep an eye on is former Tampa Bay Rays’ prospect Riley O’Brien. O’Brien profiles as more of a relief pitcher in the big leagues, but the right-hander has started three games for Triple-A Louisville this season and could be an option to replace Wade Miley as well.