Reds: 4 difficult transactions Cincinnati must make in the coming days

3. Reds recall Lucas Sims from IL and designate Jeff Hoffman for assignment.

The Cincinnati Reds made some additions to their bullpen this past week with trades for Luis Cessa, Justin Wilson, and Mychal Givens. In doing so, the Reds designated Edgar Garcia and Josh Osich for assignment and also said goodbye to Ashton Goudeau. When Lucas Sims returns to the team, the front office may have to make a less than desirable move.

Jeff Hoffman had two nice starts for the Reds this season, but since then, it’s been a mixed bag for the former Colorado Rockies reliever. Hoffman is 3-5 with a 4.88 ERA and 1.464 WHIP on the season. During his last start, Hoffman really struggled to find the strike zone; something that’s plagued the right-hander throughout his career.

Cincinnati gave Hoffman’s starting spot to Vladimir Gutierrez, and I believe that was just a prelude to an eventual parting of ways between the right-hander and the Cincinnati Reds. Hoffman’s two relief outings saw the 28-year-old toss three innings, strike out five batters, and walk two.

No one among the Reds’ relief corps has any minor league options remaining. In fact, the only pitchers with minor league options left are starters Tyler Mahle, Luis Castillo, and the aforementioned Gutierrez.

Letting Jeff Hoffman go has seemed like it was in the making for some time. Had Michael Lorenzen and Sonny Gray been healthy to start the season, I honestly question whether or not Hoffman would’ve broken camp with the Reds. The former first-round pick gave it a go, but his time in the Queen City seems all but over.