Reds activate Ian Gibaut, but lose key rookie starter for remainder of 2024 season

The Cincinnati Reds' news wire has been so wrapped up in the chatter surrounding the vacant managerial spot that fans throughout the Queen City forgot about the upcoming series with the Cleveland Guardians.

The Reds are off to Cleveland for two games against the Guardians before wrapping up their 2024 campaign at Wrigley Field with three games against the Chicago Cubs. Interim manager Freddie Benavides will be at the helm for the final five games of the year after the Reds parted ways with David Bell on Sunday.

Benavides will have a veteran arm back in the bullpen when Cincinnati takes the field on Tuesday. Ian Gibaut, who's been on the injured list since Opening Day, was activated from the 60-day IL ahead of the clash with the Guardians. But unfortunately, Cincinnati lost starter Julian Aguiar to the IL with a troubling injury.

Reds rookie Julian Aguiar placed on 15-day IL with elbow sprain

Anytime you hear the words "pitcher" and "elbow injury" in the same sentence, you begin to worry. Aguiar was placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to September 21st with right elbow sprain. This will effectively shutdown Aguiar for the remainder of the season, and the hope is that the injury is minor in nature.

The Reds rookie was called upon earlier this season after Cincinnati suffered massive losses up and down their starting rotation. Hunter Greene was absent with an elbow injury of his own, and Cincinnati was also without Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft. Greene returned to the mound last Sunday, but the other three pitchers are out for the rest of the season.

Aguiar, who was 2-1 with a 6.24 ERA in seven starts, can now be added to a growing list that also includes Brandon Williamson. The Reds' left-hander suffered a torn UCL during a game last week and will undergo Tommy John surgery. The Cincinnati faithful are hopeful that Aguiar's injury is not as severe.

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