Reds hopeful Tejay Antone returns before clash with Brewers

It looks as though the Cincinnati Reds will have Tejay Antone back in the fold before the stretch run, as the right-hander could return next week. According to manager David Bell, via MLB.com, Antone could return to the lineup as early as next Tuesday.

Antone is scheduled to head back to the hill for Triple-A Louisville tonight and will then throw on Thursday night as well. Per Bell, Antone would then need a couple days off and likely make one more appearance on his rehab assignment before returning the Cincinnati bullpen on Tuesday.

This is all best case scenario, and we should tread carefully before proclaiming that Tejay Antone is back, but at the very least, this is very encouraging news. Antone, prior to his first stint on the injured list, was the Reds best reliever.

The Reds are eagerly awaiting Tejay Antone’s return from the IL.

Tejay Antone, after struggling in his first appearance on his rehab assignment, looks to be in midseason form. The Texas native began his rehab assignment on August 7th, allowing one run on two hits while walking one batter and striking out two.

Antone’s next three appearances have yielded no hits, no runs, and the right-hander punched out four batters over three innings of work. Antone’s now pitching in 3.2 innings, posted a 2.45 ERA, and looks ready to contribute at the highest level.

The Reds bullpen has severely missed their most reliable reliever. Antone appeared in 20 games, striking out 40 opposing hitters, and posting a 1.41 ERA before going on the IL following his appearance on June 6th.

After a brief stint on the 10-day IL, Antone returned to the Reds bullpen, but only for two games before shelved again. Tejay Antone has been out of action since June 24th, and David Bell has been scrambling to find quality relievers who can mimic the 27-year-old’s success.

When Antone finally returns, one can assume he’ll resume his role as one of Bell’s better options in the latter part of ballgames. But, rather than joining the likes of Jose De Leon and Ashton Goudeau, Antone now has pitchers like Mychal Givens and Luis Cessa alongside him in the Cincinnati Reds bullpen.