Reds hand rising pitcher a major vote of confidence with latest roster move

Update: According the team's transaction log, the Reds have optioned Lyon Richardson to Triple-A.

The Cincinnati Reds returned from Sam Moll from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville and then optioned him to (wait for it) Triple-A Louisville. While this roster move — if you can call it that — sounds silly and somewhat meaningless, there's actually more to it than just a simple procedural transaction. Officially sending Moll down to Triple-A is good news for one of Luis Mey or Lyon Richardson.

Moll was part of the Reds Opening Day roster, but a shoulder impingement landed him on the 15-day IL. Moll began a rehab assignment about a month ago, and MLB rules dictate that such endeavors can't last longer than 30 days, which is why Cincinnati made the move. Rather than designate Moll for assignment, the Reds are exercising one of his minor-league options and keeping him on the 40-man roster.

Moll, however, may be more of an emergency option down on the farm with both Mey and Richardson proving that they've got what it takes to stick at the major league level. Unfortunately for one of them, the end of their current big-league run will likely end on Friday when Hunter Greene is activated from the IL.

Luis Mey and Lyon Richardson receive vote of confidence with latest roster move

Mey and Richardson both averted disaster in the waning moments of the Reds' 1-0 loss on Tuesday night. The Pittsbrugh Pirates threatened in both in the seventh and eighth innings, but the two right-handers did just enough to keep the deficit to only one run heading into the ninth inning. Terry Francona's illogical managerial decisions down the stretch led to the Reds' eighth shutout loss of the 2025 season.

The Reds recalled Ian Gibaut from the injured list on Wednesday and optioned Chase Petty back to Triple-A Louisville. After being passed over for Brent Suter during the previous series, it's not surprising to see Petty shipped back to the Louisville Bats roster.

The next big question will be answered on Friday. Which one of Mey or Richardson will be sent back down? Both have been outstanding since being called up to the big leagues, and there's a chance that Mey and Richardson could remain on the active roster. But that would require a bold move on the part of the Reds front office, which is something they oftentimes avoid.

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