Reds designate Luis Cessa for assignment in head-scratching move

The Cincinnati Reds made a flurry of moves on Tuesday afternoon before their game with the New York Mets. No, Andrew Abbott was not part of the transactions.

But the Reds did make a puzzling move when they designated Luis Cessa for assignment. Cessa had been moved to the bullpen this past week after failing to gain much traction as part of the Reds starting rotation.

This was an unexpectedly quick pivot from starting pitcher, to reliever, to off the team. Especially when you consider the fact that there were a myriad of options that would have allowed Cessa to remain with the club.

Reds news: Luis Cessa DFA'd in head-scratching move

Luis Cessa was not having a good season. The right-hander returned early from the World Baseball Classic in order to enhance his chances of landing a spot in the starting rotation.

His showing during the latter part of the 2022 season combined with his work in the WBC and spring training allowed Cessa to claim a spot in the rotation over prospects like Brandon Williamson and Levi Stoudt.

But rough outing followed by rough outing and David Bell's reluctance to allow Cessa to go through the opponent's batting order more than twice really put a strain on a bullpen that has been grossly overused this season.

But it's very odd that Cessa would be let go less than a week after Bell, via MLB,com, spoke about going to a four-man rotation and the former New York Yankees hurler being moved to the bullpen.

The Reds now have a few days to place Luis Cessa on outright waivers or trade him to another team. Cessa could always accept an assignment to Triple-A, but that seems very unlikely. With Cessa no longer part of the team, Cincinnati has selected the contract of Ben Lively and recalled Kevin Herget.