Reds pitcher’s remarkable comeback sets up a September call-up nobody expected

September call-ups are just around the corner, and many Cincinnati Reds fans are curious who'll join the active roster in the coming days. Typically teams add one pitcher and one position player, but the only real restriction is that rosters are limited to just 14 pitchers.

Given the Reds' completely exhausted relief corps, it really wouldn't be a shock to see Cincinnati add one of each. While Reds fans are hoping that top prospect Sal Stewart is among this year's September call-ups, the team also has a chance to add a feel-good story into the mix as well.

Tejay Antone is battling his way back from yet another elbow surgery. Antone suffered an injury last spring, and went under the knife for the third time in his career. Unbelievably, however, the right-hander is on a rehab assignment with the Chattanooga Lookouts. Will the Reds give Antone a chance to make an inconceivable Major League return this season?

Reds pitcher Tejay Antone's remarkable comeback sets up a September call-up nobody expected

Heading into play on Sunday, Antone had made six minor league appearances this season. That, in and of itself, is quite the feat. But Reds fans know that Antone would love nothing more than to return to the big leagues before the 2025 season expires.

In his six outings — against admittedly lesser competition than he'd face in the majors — Antone has logged 7⅓ innings and allowed just one run on seven hits. Captain Hook, as Antone's affectionately known, has eight punch outs in those six games, including a three-strikeout performance last week against the St. Louis Cardinals' High-A affiliate.

Returning on September 1 may be a bit of a stretch. After being gone for over a year, the timing may not be right for Antone to join the big league roster the moment the calendar flips to September. His last trip to the mound was on April 7, 2024 and he failed to even face a single batter.

If the Reds are completely out of the playoff chase with a week remaining in the season, this is the easiest of calls to make. In the heat of the NL Wild Card race, however, it might be difficult for the Reds to thrust Antone into such a high-intensity position. But it would certainly be one that he would relish.

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