Returning Reds reliever could force this pitcher off the roster

The Cincinnati Reds are slowly but surely getting healthier. And while getting back to full-strength is definitely a good thing, there are bound to be some impending roster moves that might sting a little.

The Reds have been without reliever Ian Gibaut for the entire season. The right-hander initially was dealing with a forearm injury, but of late, Gibaut has been battling a calf strain. The latest injury update from Reds manager David Bell has cast doubt on Gibaut's impending return. What was once thought to occur some time this month now seems unlikely.

However, there is a positive injury update as well. Cincinnati native and left-handed reliever Brent Suter threw a side session earlier this week and may be sent out on rehab assignment in the very near future. Suter had been sidelined with a partial tear of the teres major muscle, but is healing quicker than expected. Suter's impending return is not good news for fellow lefty Justin Wilson.

Returning Reds' relievers could force Justin Wilson off the roster

This was always the concern after the MLB trade deadline came and went and Cincinnati was only able to unload one reliever. Lucas Sims was the only roster casualty from the bullpen, as the former Reds reliever was dealt to the Boston Red Sox.

The problem is, only a handful of the Reds' relievers still have minor-league options remaining, meaining that deeper cuts might have to be made. Among the Reds relievers who can be optioned to the minors, only Fernando Cruz is a likely candidate. Alexis Diaz and Sam Moll aren't going anywhere.

That, plus the fact that Wilson himself is left-handed, could spell the end of his tenure in Cincinnati. Wilson has been relatively steady for the Reds this season, but is not under contract through next season. The same cannot be said for Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagán, and Tony Santillan.

Being that Suter is on the 15-day and not 60-day IL, there isn't a need to open up a spot on the 40-man roster. That could offer the Reds an opportunity to place a pitcher on the IL who may be dealing with a minor injury rather than actually releasing him altogether. But if the Reds' relief corps is 100% healthy, a difficult decision will have to be made when Suter returns from the IL.

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