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Reds add another lefty to the bullpen after reuniting with former reliever

The Reds beefed up their bullpen with less than two weeks until Opening Day.

By Drew Koch |
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Justin Wilson (34) delivers in the ninth inning
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Justin Wilson (34) delivers in the ninth inning / Kareem Elgazzar via Imagn Content

Justin Wilson is back with the Cincinnati Reds. According to FanSided's Robert Murray, the Reds have agreed to a major league deal with left-hander. Wilson opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this week. After waiving Jose Barrero last weekend, there was a vacancy on the Reds 40-man roster.

Reds fans will remember that Wilson joined Cincinnati in 2021 along with former pitcher Luis Cessa. In what was essentially a salary dump for the New York Yankees, the Reds brought both Wilson and Cessa into the fold in an attempt to bolster the bullpen for a playoff push. Cincinnati would ultimately fall short of their postseason aspirations, but Wilson remained with the club heading into 2022.

However, Wilson suffered an elbow injury early on and was placed on the IL. The lefty eventually needed Tommy John surgery and missed the remainder of the 2022 season after appearing in just five games.

Reds add another lefty to the bullpen after reuniting with former reliever Justin Wilson

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that left-hander Alex Young suffered a setback in his return from a back injury and open the 2024 season on the injured list.

Even with Young slated to begin the season on the IL, the Reds will have three left-handers in the bullpen. Joining Wilson will be last year's trade deadline pick up Sam Moll and free agent signee Brent Suter.

Wilson attempted to come back from Tommy John surgery last season with the Milwaukee Brewers, but suffered a lat injury while warming up in the bullpen. During his 11 major league seasons, Wilson owns a 3.41 ERA, 510 strikeouts, and 18 saves.

Wilson's addition could really shakeup the Reds bullpen, and it may mean that both Fernando Cruz and Tejay Antone will begin the 2024 season at Triple-A Louisville. A lot depends on Nick Martinez's injury status as well. The right-hander, who's battling for a spot in the rotation, had his most recent start pushed back until Saturday.

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