Reds News: Cincy signs former Braves pitcher, Mets claim ex-reliever, Connor Overton

The Cincinnati Reds will begin the unofficial second-half of the 2024 season this Friday with a visit to our nation's capital. Just like the Reds started the season, their opening series post-All-Star break is against the Washington Nationals.

The visit to D.C. starts a crucial 10-day stretch for Cincinnati where they'll battle the Nats, Atlanta Braves, and Tampa Bay Rays before returning home to face the Chicago Cubs. Sitting just three games below .500 and three games back of the final NL Wild Card spot, the Reds are in position to make a run at the postseason over the final two-plus months.

Reds manager David Bell has yet to set his rotation, but the team will be without rookie starter Carson Spiers who's currently on the IL. The right-hander is expected to miss at least one start, and it's a good bet that Nick Martinez will get the ball to begin at least one game next week. What other Reds news is on the horizon ahead of the second-half of the 2024 season?

Reds News: Patrick Weigel agrees to MiLB deal

A minor transaction occurred recently after the Reds agreeed to terms with former Atlanta Braves prospect Patrick Weigel. The right-hander had spent the majority of this season in the Mexican League, posting a 2.87 ERA in 39 appearances.

Weigel hasn't been in the big leagues since 2021. Weigel was a top-20 prospect in the Braves farm system as recently as 2019, but the now-30-year-old has made just four major league appearances and has just a 7.71 ERA to show for it. Weigel has been assigned to Double-A Chattanooga and gives the Reds just a little more depth in the minor leagues for the second-half of the 2024 season.

Reds News: Former pitcher Alex Young claimed by NY Mets

Well, Nick Krall has done it again. This time, the Reds President of Baseball Operations fleeced the San Francisco Giants. The Reds recently acquired outfielder Austin Slater and cash considerations from the Giants in exchange for reliever Alex Young.

But the Giants were apparently unhappy with their acquisition and designated Young for assignment. The New York Mets swooped in a claimed the left-hander off waivers, so Young will now be part of the Mets' bullpen as New York looks to make a playoff push over the next two months. Chalk up another win for Krall and Co.

Reds News: Connor Overton and Reiver Sanmartin begin rehab assignments

Amongst all the unfortunate Reds injury updates, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer provided an uplifting report in regards to two of the team's relievers. Connor Overton and Reiver Sanmartin, both of whom are recovering from Tommy John surgery, have been sent to Arizona to begin rehab assignments.

How effective or available either of these relievers might be during the second-half of the season is anyone's guess. Neither Overton or Sanmartin currently occupy a spot on the 40-man roster, and both will need considerable time in the minors before attempting to return.

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