Lefty stalls while ex-Guardians prospect surges in chase for final Reds bullpen spot

While much of the focus at Cincinnati Reds spring training has been on the starting rotation, the bullpen has just as many opportunities for a shake-up. Alexis Díaz, Emilio Pagán, and Tony Santillan seem guaranteed a spot, as do lefties Taylor Rogers and Brent Suter. Beyond that, the playing field opens up. Some players are rising to the occasion while others may be on their way out.

Among roughly a dozen players vying for remaining spots is lefty Sam Moll. If the roster decision only rested on past performance, he would have a good case for a spot; however, his return from a left shoulder injury has not gone as planned. Moll, a ground-ball pitcher with dependable control, is now allowing more fly balls and, as of March 10, had thrown 24 of his 54 pitches (44.4%) for balls.

Sam Moll’s slow spring start could open the door for a non-roster invitee to make the Reds bullpen

A number of young, eager relievers, including the Reds’ army of prospects, could step into Moll’s place, but perhaps none is more desperate than Lenny Torres Jr. The right-hander was once a prized prospect in the Cleveland Guardians’ organization, but Tommy John surgery, the COVID cancellations, and a slow rise through the system reduced his value. The Reds snapped him up on a minor league contract in December.

Since then, Torres has more than made the most of this opportunity. Over five appearances, he has stranded every inherited runner and has allowed just one walk against five strikeouts. His slider has been particularly effective, and his fastball comfortably reaches the high 90s.

Torres needs this opportunity. He made considerable strides at Double-A in 2024, completing more than 50 innings for the first time since 2021 and reducing his walk rate by 6.4% percent. If he can recreate this success in 2025, he should be in line for his big-league debut if not on Opening Day then later in the season.

Torres’ success does complicate the Reds’ roster situation. He is not on the 40-man roster and would be eligible for the Rule 5 draft at the end of the season. He’ll have to hold off the top prospects who will push their way into the big-league conversation over the next few months. For now, though, Torres is making a strong case to supplant Moll in the bullpen.

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