Reds' ill-advised experiment has run its course and can't be defended any longer

Chris Paddack was never meant to do anything more than give Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona a spot start or two while Rhett Lowder was on the injured list. Paddack hasn't been a genuinely good pitcher since his rookie campaign in 2019, though he tossed a career-high 158 frames last year while playing for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers.

When the Reds picked him up after he was discarded by the Miami Marlins, it's understandable why the move itself was met with a complete lack of enthusiasm. Even a solid debut last month didn't do much to get the gears turning, but at least it was a proof of concept that he could —especially upon a move to the bullpen — handle a sizable workload.

But "The Sheriff" has lost his control, and is walking batters more frequently than ever before. Naturally, poor results have followed, as Paddack is on the hook for a 6.30 ERA (4.87 FIP) through his first 17 innings in a Reds uniform. With Lowder healthy again, it's apparent that Paddack's time in Cincinnati is coming to an end.

Reds can't waste time cleaning up Chris Paddack's mess

If there is a case to be made for keeping the 30-year-old around, it's that the Reds' rotation depth is still perilously thin. Hunter Greene and Brandon Williamson are still at least a few weeks away from returning, while a trio of notable prospects (Jose Franco, Chase Petty, and Julian Aguiar) have struggled in their respective, albeit limited, MLB experiences.

But there comes a point where the idea of a player is simply too far removed from the reality. Including his brief stint with the Marlins, Paddack has allowed multiple earned runs in all but one of his outings this year, including 12 in 17 innings with the Reds. He doesn't throw hard enough to survive in a true reliever role either, instead making a living by tossing six distinct pitches with regularity.

The problem is that five of those pitches are currently giving up a slugging percentage over .430, and his cutter is responsible for a wOBA of .532. Is it any wonder why Marlins fans wanted Paddack off their team.

There's no shame in admitting an experiment, especially one born out of desperation, has failed. There is an opportunity for real damage, though, in keeping the experiment running for too long. Paddack clearly doesn't have it anymore, and it would behoove the Reds to move on and try to fill their pitching staff needs with someone else.

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