Ian Gibaut’s return puts spotlight on Reds’ toughest bullpen call yet

Ian Gibaut has been dealing with a right shoulder impingement, but the Cincinnati Reds reliever is on track to return prior to Wednesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. His activation from the IL will result in a corresponding move, and unfortunately for Luis Mey or Lyon Richardson, one of them is likely to head back down to the minor leagues.

Cincinnati will likely prolong the inevitable on Wednesday, and send Chase Petty back down to the minors instead of Mey or Richardson. After the Reds used an opener rather than Petty last week, the rookie hasn't stepped onto the mound since May 11 at Houston. With Hunter Greene's return scheduled for Friday, Petty's as good as gone, and Cincinnati may choose to send him back to the Louisville Bats a couple days early.

But one way or another, one of Mey or Richardson is headed back down. Those two and Graham Ashcraft are the only relievers with minor-league options remaining. Ashcraft isn't going anywhere, meaning the Reds' choice is clear — Mey or Richardson will have to go.

Ian Gibaut’s to the Reds bullpen will (eventually) result in Luis Mey or Lyon Richardson being demoted

Some Reds fans will undoubtedly be upset when this move is made, clamoring that Mey and Richardson are better pitchers than Gibaut, and that Cincinnati should just leave things the way they are. That idea is sound, but there are MLB rules that govern these types of transactions. Gibaut began a rehab assignment on May 11, and those are limited to just 30 days.

Gibaut has also pitched quite well during his rehab, going four innings and striking out five batters while allowing just one hit since joining the Bats earlier this month. Most Reds fans will probably remember Gibaut's implosion on Opening Day that cost Cincinnati dearly against the San Francisco Giants. Since that appearance, however, Gibaut has a 2.45 ERA in 11 appearances and was one of Terry Francona's most reliable reliever prior to his injury.

Both Mey and Richardson have been lights out since joining the Reds' bullpen. Mey's fastball is nearly un-hittable, as is Richardson's changeup. Those two have been terrific with Gibaut, Sam Moll, and Carson Spiers on the IL.

Mey was a little off his game on Tuesday, however, allowing a hit and a walk during the seventh inning. Cincinnati was able to escape unscathed, and Richardson took over in the eighth. Richardson — able to work around a leadoff hit and Elly De La Cruz error — managed to get out of a jam without allowing a run.

Though it may seem unfair to some Reds fans, optioning one of these talented relievers back to Triple-A isn't an indictment on their performance, but rather a way to keep the bullpen fresh for the entire season. Look for the Reds to make a move before the first pitch of Wednesday's game in Pittsburgh. If both Mey and Richardson survive that transaction, one of them will be sent down when Greene returns on Friday.

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