With Lucas Sims out for the season, this Cincinnati Reds reliever may see an increased workload

According to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reliever Lucas Sims will miss the remainder of the 2022 season with a herniated disc. This is a huge blow to both Sims and the Cincinnati Reds as the right-hander is one of the best relievers and the bullpen has been atrocious.

Sims' absence, however, will open the door for several young relievers to solidify a role with the Reds, not only in 2022, but beyond. Fans already know that Alexis Díaz has the makeup of a future closer, but without Sims in the backend of the bullpen, David Bell will have to find another arm to take on some of the higher-leverage situations late in game.

Tony Santillan and Art Warren have been given opportunities throughout the season. Santillan is currently on the IL and Warren just doesn't seem to be entirely comfortable late in games. Warren has three saves on the year, but he also has three blown saves.

But who might be able to fill those shoes? The Reds have some talented young arms, but very few have had success in the big leagues this year. However, Dauri Moreta has the makings of a solid reliever and has pitched relatively well since returning from Triple-A Louisville.

Reds rookie Dauri Moreta could benefit from Lucas Sims' absence.

You never like to see player go under the knife. Lucas Sims will need surgery to repair the herniated disc in his back. But perhaps Dauri Moreta will receive some opportunities that he might not have had if Sims were on the active roster.

There are no viable relievers down on the farm, so what you see is what you get. Moreta might be the best of a bad situation for the Redlegs. Other options to take some of those innings that normally go to Sims would include Joel Kuhnel, Reiver Sanmartin, and Jared Solomon.

Moreta has appeared in 21 games during his rookie season with the Reds. He's 0-1 with 21 punch outs in 20 innings of work. Moreta currently owns a 7.65 ERA. Three of Moreta's appearances this season have seen the 26-year-old go more than one inning.

Of all the young relievers currently on the Cincinnati Reds roster, Dauri Moreta probably has the best pure stuff. Moreta's downfall has been the long ball. The right-hander has seen eight balls leave the yard.

The keys for Moreta as the season progresses is locating his fastball and developing some semblance of a changeup or slider. If one of those two pitches can become better than average, Moreta has real chance to help offset the loss of Lucas Sims.