Reds make less desired roster move after Frankie Montas hits injured list

The Cincinnati Reds placed starting pitcher Frankie Montas on the injured list with a forearm contusion. The Reds starter was the victim of a 101 mph comebacker off the bat of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward during the first inning of Sunday's game.

Montas exited the game with the training staff, and after the game, the right-hander admitted he'd likely miss his next start while waiting for the swelling to go down. By placing Montas on the 15-day IL, the veteran will effectively miss at least two starts, but could return as early as May 7th.

The Reds recalled Casey Legumina to take Montas' spot on the roster. This likely signals that the Reds will lean on Nick Martinez to start Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies and re-enter the team's starting rotation. But some Reds fans will not be happy that Legumina, not Tony Santillan, was elevated to active roster.

Reds recall Casey Legumina, not Tony Santillan, after Frankie Montas hits IL

Legumina, unlike Santillan, is part of the Reds 40-man roster. Legumina was optioned to Triple-A Louisville prior to the start of the 2024 season. In six appearances out of the Louisville Bats' bullpen, Legumina owns a 4.50 ERA with 11 strikeouts and just one walk through 10 innings of work.

Santillan nearly won a spot in the Reds bullpen coming out of spring training. The former second-round pick struck 15 batters in eight innings pitched during Cactus League play, but since he was a non-roster invitee, the right-hander was outrighted to Triple-A rather than added to the 40-man roster. Santillan has eight punch outs in nine relief outings this year with the Bats.

Until Santillan shows consistency in the minor leagues, it's unlikely that the Reds will add him back to the 40-man roster. Doing so would necessitate a corresponding move and at this stage of the season, there's no need to DFA a potential 2024 contributor.

Legumina was the player the Reds received in return for fomrer infielder Kyle Farmer during an offseason trade with the Minnesota Twins prior to the 2023 season. Legumina appeared in 11 games for the Reds in 2023 and posted a 5.68 ERA.

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