Reds prospect scheduled to make surprise start on Wednesday, April 19

Well this is interesting, isn't it? The Cincinnati Reds have recalled Levi Stoudt to the bigs and the 25-year-old will make his major league debut on Wednesday, April 19th against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Reds have yet to divulge why Stoudt is being promoted to the major league roster, but it's a step in the direction for a club that is in desperate need of addition arms at the moment.

Stoudt came over this past summer, along with infielder Edwin Arroyo and Noelvi Marte and pitcher Andrew Moore, from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Luis Castillo. Stoudt's promotion will leave left-hander Brandon Williamson as the lone top pitching prospect down on the farm at Triple-A Louisville.

Reds prospect Levi Stoudt scheduled to make surprise start.

There are any number of reasons that Levi Stoudt could be getting the call. The most likely is that the Cincinnati Reds are, rightfully, moving Luis Cessa from the rotation to the bullpen. Cessa had a disastrous outing on Sunday afternoon against the Philadelphia.

Another reason could be the possible placement of Hunter Greene on the 15-day IL. This would be less than ideal, but the Reds Opening Day starter took a come-backer off his right shin in Monday's win over the Tampa Bay Rays and left after just three innings of work.

The odd thing about Levi Stoudt's call-up to the majors is that he's slated to start on Wednesday afternoon. This start was supposed to belong to Luke Weaver who was returning from a forearm injury. There is a possibility that Weaver had a setback and Stoudt will be taking his start.

No matter the reason, Reds Country should be excited. Levi Stoudt has had mixed results in the minors this season, but he had a solid showing during the spring. With the Cincinnati Reds looking to solidify the backend of their bullpen, perhaps Stoudt will provide the type of production the team is looking for.