Surprisingly the Reds parted ways with this homegrown reliever

The Cincinnati Reds needed to make space on the active roster for Luis Castillo. The Reds ace is scheduled to take the mound tonight versus the Milwaukee Brewers.

But in order to add Castillo to the 26-man roster, a corresponding move had to be made. I must say I'm mildly surprised that Cincinnati chose to designate Phillip Diehl for assignment.

No, not because Diehl had outperformed other relievers in the pen. In fact, the Cincinnati native has struggled since his his debut on April 27th. But because Diehl was the only left-handed pitcher remaining in the Reds bullpen.

The Reds parted ways with their only left-handed reliever.

Phillip Diehl had an impressive performance in his debut for the Cincinnati Reds this season. In one of the few feel-good stories of the season so far, Diehl was dealing in from his hometown fans. The southpaw went two innings, struck out two batters. and didn't allow a single hit.

However, since then, Diehl has appeared in four games, pitched in 3.2 innings, allowed seven earned runs, walked three batters, and struck out just one. Diehl's ERA is currently sitting at 11.12. Diehl now has three walks, three strikeouts, and three home runs allowed on the season.

The Reds made the decision to designate Diehl for assignment, and if the lefty passes through waivers he'll likely be outrighted to Triple-A Louisville. Cincinnati could have decided to option a number of other relievers who have minor league options remaining, but instead decided against it.

While it is the right move, that hasn't always been the way the Cincinnati Reds have done business in the past. This franchise is known for hanging on to players long after they should. Examples include the likes of Sean Doolittle, Nate Jones, and Zach Duke.

Though unconventional, I like the fact that Cincinnati chose to part with their only left-handed reliever rather than a player with minor league options remaining. Let's hope pitchers like Joel Kuhnel and Dauri Moreta reward the Reds faith.