Rehabbing Reds reliever Tejay Antone looks ready and raring to go

The last time fans saw Tejay Antone on a major league mound, it wasn't a pretty sight. The right-hander, having a just returned from the IL, tossed seven pitches before exiting with an obvious elbow injury.

The last time Antone was in the big leagues was August 24, 2021. After being removed from the game, Antone recieved the unfortunate news that he would need Tommy John surgery. This would be the second such time the hurler underwent such a complex surgical procedure.

Antone spent all of last season rehabbing from the injury, and just as looked like the possibility existed for the 29-year-old to join his teammates on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster this season, another obstacle presented itself.

Rehabbing Reds reliever Tejay Antone looks ready and raring to go.

Tejay Antone suffered a setback in his rehab and his return had to be put on hold. It wasn't until late-July that Antone was sent on a rehab assignment. The right-hander even extended his stint in Triple-A Louisville for another 10 days just to make sure everything is right.

Over the past couple of weeks, everything seems to be clicking for Antone. Since August 18th, Antone has not allowed a single run in six appearances out of the Louisville Bats bullpen. During that stretch, Antone has allowed just five hits while walking four batters and striking out six.

For the first time since his rehab stint began, Antone worked in back-to-back games on August 18th and 19th. Only once during his rehab assignment has Antone gone more than one inning, and that should be the expectation of Reds Country once the reliever returns to the Cincinnati bullpen.

It's been a long road back for Tejay Antone, and he seems just about ready to return to the active roster. Look for Antone to be activated upon the team's return to Great American Ball Park this weekend against the Chicago Cubs. Reds fans should be ready to give Antone the ovation he so rightly deserves.