Reds newest addition Sam Moll has strong debut despite blowout loss

The Cincinnati Reds acquired Oakland Athletics pitcher Sam Moll at the MLB trade deadline. In return, the Reds sent minor league pitcher Joe Boyle to Oakland.

Moll, a left-handed reliever had 44 appearances, including one start for Oakland on the season. The 31-year-old owned a 4.54 ERA on the 2023 season before Monday's trade.

Moll has been particularly productive against left-handed batters this seasons, holding them to a .197 batting average. Moll should add much needed relief to a bullpen that is currently ranks third in the National League in innings pitched.

Reds newest addition Sam Moll has strong debut despite blowout loss.

The Cincinnati Reds did not hesitate to debut their newest acquisition. Moll pitched 1.1 innings on Tuesday night against the Chicago Cubs. While Moll's debut happened to come in a lopsided loss for Cincinnati, he still struck out three batters and only allowed one hit in relief. The Reds lot the game 20-9.

Sam Moll's strong debut was overshadowed by the Reds drubbing at the hands of the Cubs in the last two games. Yet, the Reds still lead the Central Division and have the fourth-best record in all of the National League.

Some Reds fans have been vocally upset by the lack of trade deadline moves. Yet, if Moll builds on his strong debut and eats up more innings for their bullpen, fans will quickly back the Reds newest acquisition.

The added bullpen help could be key to giving these Cincinnati Reds a shot at making the playoffs, and no one believed that was a possibility at the beginning of this season. Hang in there, Reds fans. There's still about two months left in the 2023 season.