3 Reds players who should not receive a September call-up

Reds pitcher Connor Phillips should not receive September call-up.

This is sure to ruffle some feathers, but there's honestly no reason the Cincinnati Reds need to call up Connor Phillips for the stretch run. The only reason to do so would be if another starting pitcher has reached an innings limit or is placed on the injured list.

And this isn't an assault on Phillips' skillset. While he's had some issues with walks, this has more to do with the simple fact that the 40-man roster is overcrowded at the moment. It'll get even more so once players like Hunter Greene, Tejay Antone, and others begin to return from the 60-day IL.

The Reds will need to add Phillips to the 40-man roster this winter in order to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. But the organization should have a much better handle on who's staying and who's going by that point in the offseason.

Phillips is one of the top strike throwers in the minor leagues. Five times this season, the right-hander has hit double-digit strikeouts. But, in nine of his 22 starts between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville, Phillips has issued three or more walks.

Connor Phillips will be in the mix to be part of the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster in 2024, but for now, his place in the minor leagues. The 22-year-old should continue to pitch for manager Pat Kelly and the Louisville Bats over the final month of the season.