Reds News: Frankie Montas' velo up, Ian Gibaut scheduled for surgery, Conner Capel

It can feel you're grasping for straws at the moment while trying to find anything positive from the Cincinnati Reds latest performance. After being swept by the Baltimore Orioles at home last weekend, the Reds failed to get off the schneid against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

The day off on Monday did nothing to help the Reds' bats, nor did the return of TJ Friedl. Cincinnati made a flurry of roster moves ahead of Tuesday's clash with the D-backs, including activating pitcher Frankie Montas from the injured list.

While Montas' performance was all for naught, the right-hander went six innings and struck out seven while allowing just two earned runs. But it was Montas' increased velocity that caught the eye of several observers during Tuesday's contest.

Reds News: Frankie Montas' velocity was up

Montas was dialed in last night. The veteran, who's four-seam fastball was typically sitting at 94.5 mph this season, got all the way up to 99 mph last night. Montas' fastball averaged 95.9 mph and the right-hander was incredibly steady throughout his six innings of work.

Montas credited trust in his stuff and knowing that he's fully healthy as the two biggest reasons for the uptick in velo and the confidence he portrayed on Tuesday night. Montas missed almost all of the 2023 season following shoulder surgery and signed a one-year contract with the Reds this past winter.

Reds News: Ian Gibaut scheduled for surgery

Ian Gibaut has been on the injured list since the 2024 season began, and the Reds' right-hander was moved from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL on Tuesday in order to make room for outfielder Conner Capel.

Gibaut has been battling what was referred to as a forearm injury throughout spring training, but according to Reds manager David Bell the issue is either carpel tunnel or an AIN release. It sounds as if the Reds will have a better idea of the timeline for Gibaut's return to the mound once he has a surgical procedure, which is scheduled for later this week.

Reds News: Conner Capel returns to MLB

Capel was one of three players added to the Reds active roster on Tuesday. In addition to Montas and Friedl, Capel's contract was selected by Cincinnati and the outfielder was in uniform for Tuesday's contest against the Diamondbacks.

A left-handed hitter, Capel was crushing the ball down at Triple-A Louisville. After watching Nick Martini and Bubba Thompson fail to find any sort of rhythm at the dish, the decision was made to option both players to the minor leagues.

Capel played 32 games in the big leagues last season for the Oakland A's and hit .260/.372/.329. Capel actually has reverse splits and posted a .909 OPS against southpaws last season. He'll be given a chance to find his way into the Reds lineup when the matchup is favorable.

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