5 moves from the Cincinnati Reds 2021 season that didn't work out

2. The Reds inserting Tony Santillan into the starting rotation.

Tony Santillan had been one of the higher-rated prospects in the Cincinnati Reds farm system, and after dominating at the Triple-A level to begin the 2021 season, it became apparent that Santillan was due for a promotion.

In his six starts with the Bats, Santillan posted a 2.51 ERA over 32.1 innings with 45 strikeouts. Santillan then made his big league debut on June 13th versus the Colorado Rockies. The right-hander went 4.2 innings, struck five, and walked four in his first major league start.

The Reds sent Santillan back out to the mound for three more starts, but only once did the Texan make it past the third inning. Santillan's 10.80 K/9 and 24.4% strikeout-rate in his four starts was impressive, but he also posted a 5.40 BB/9 and a walk-rate of 12.2%.

Cincinnati eventually sent Santillan back to Louisville and transitioned him from a starting pitcher to a reliever. In his return to Triple-A, Santillan went 5.2 innings without allowing a run. Santillan was then inserted into the Reds bullpen and became one of the most dominant arms that David Bell could summon.

So, while Santillan may not be a starter, moving him to the bullpen turned out to be a great move on the part of the Reds coaching staff. I wouldn't be surprised if Santillan is given another chance to be a starter this spring, especially if Cincinnati trades one or more of their starting pitchers.