This Reds reliever could use a tune-up in the minors

Something seems off about Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Art Warren. Perhaps a trip back to the minors would do the Ohio native some good.

Warren is 2-3 on the season in 25 appearances out of the Reds bullpen. The right-hander has 25 punch outs, but also 12 walks. Warren has allowed four gopher balls in 2022 and has blown three of his six save opportunities.

Warren's last appearance ended horribly. The 29-year-old allowed four runs on five hits while throwing just 14 pitches to five batters. Warren was removed by Reds manager David Bell after recording just one out.

The Reds should option RHP Art Warren back to Triple-A.

Art Warren was one of the Reds best relievers over the second-half of the 2021 season. After returning from an oblique injury, Warren shutdown the competition in his final eight appearances last season.

Over those final eight games, Warren recorded 13 strikeouts in 6.2 innings. He walked just two batters and not single run crossed the plate. In fact, over his final 17 appearances in 2021, Warren allowed just six hits and struck out 23 over 13.1 innings. This guy was lights out.

But that momentum has not carried over to 2022, and with minor league options remaining, perhaps the Reds should send Art Warren back to the minors to help him figure things out.

I don't know if it's that he's being put in higher leverage situations that he's not yet used to, or if it's something mechanical. Whatever it is, it's just not working for him right now. On the season, Warren owns a 7.66 ERA and a WHIP of 1.567.

When it comes to who might replace Art Warren if the Reds sent him down to the minors, there aren't a lot of great options. Lucas Sims still isn't ready to return from the IL and neither is Daniel Duarte. The Reds could recall Dauri Moreta and see if the right-hander's return to Triple-A helped him regain his confidence.