Reds: This reliever should be DFA’d when Jeff Hoffman returns

The Cincinnati Reds made the right move when the team decided to option Scott Heineman to Triple-A Louisville once Tejay Antone returned from the injured list. Let’s hope Cincinnati’s front office makes the right call when Jeff Hoffman returns to the roster as well and designates Sean Doolittle for assignment.

Hoffman is slated to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville tonight. While the right-hander is getting the start for the Bats, it’s highly unlikely Hoffman returns to the starting rotation with the success the team has seen from Vladimir Gutierrez. However, the bullpen isn’t a bad fit for Hoffman, and he could supplant another veteran hurler in the Cincinnati pen.

Jeff Hoffman should replace Sean Doolittle in the Reds bullpen.

This shouldn’t even be up for debate, but I’m sure it will. While you’re sure to hear names like Josh Osich and Art Warren, it’s Sean Doolittle who should get the axe. The former Washington Nationals closer has been terrible this season, and his pitch repertoire isn’t fooling anyone.

Doolittle is 3-0 on the season with a 4.91 ERA, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. During the month of June, Doolittle has been given the ball eight times, and each outing has allowed at least one hit. In four of the eight games, the southpaw has surrendered multiple hits.

Sean Doolittle has not faced the minimum number of opposing batters since May 12th at Pittsburgh. Try to wrap your mind around that for second. Doolittle has surrendered at least a walk or a hit in his last 15 games. During that stretch, the left-hander has thrown 12.2 innings, allowed nine runs on 18 hits, walked six, and struck 13 while also allowing three round trippers.

Sean Doolittle has done little during his time with the Reds.

It’s a tough spot, because Sean Doolittle is a very likable player. He engages with the fans on social media, he’s not afraid to be who his, and everyone raves about him in the clubhouse. But the bottom line is, Doolittle doesn’t deserve to have a spot in the Reds bullpen anymore.

The Reds signed Doolittle in the offseason hoping to add some experience to the backend of a bullpen that lost Raisel Iglesias and Archie Bradley. It’s just hasn’t worked out for Sean Doolittle or the Cincinnati Reds.

There’s a chance that Doolittle survives, and we see Art Warren or Josh Osich catch a ride back to Louisville, but if Cincinnati is serious about competing for the division crown, it’s time to cut ties with Doolittle.