Reds refuse to lose underrated bullpen arm despite rival interest

Cincinnati Reds reliever Joe La Sorsa exercised his upward mobility clause earlier this month. Despite interest from other organizations, La Sorsa is staying put in Cincinnati with MLB insider Ari Alexander reporting that the Reds plan to add the left-hander to the 40-man roster.

Cincinnati currently has an opening on the 40-man roster after trading away Alexis Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers last week. While La Sorsa has had an up-and-down season with the Louisville Bats, the lefty did show an increase in velocity during spring training and into the minor league season.

According to Alexander, La Sorsa won't be activated prior to the Reds' game against the Milwaukee Brewers. With minor-league options remaining, Cincinnati can simply select La Sorsa's contract from Triple-A and then option him back to the minors, thus preserving the bullpen as is for now.

Reds refuse to lose underrated reliever Joe La Sorsa despite rival interest

La Sorsa has pitched in 20 ⅔ innings at Triple-A Louisville this season. The lefty owns a respectable 3.92 ERA, but his 5.02 FIP will undoubtedly raise concerns. Opponents have hit .181 off La Sorsa this season, and he's walked as many batters as he's struck out. Though he's limited the long ball (0.44 HR/9), it would be somewhat surprising to see La Sorsa added to the active roster immediately.

The Reds already have two lefties on the 26-man roster. Both Brent Suter and Taylor Rogers have performed well this season, and Cincinnati has fellow southpaw Sam Moll down in the minors as well. Reiver Sanmartin is also on the Bats' roster and has a 3.74 ERA in 17 appearances this season.

With an opening on the 40-man roster, the Reds aren't losing anything by adding La Sorsa to the mix. If nothing else, it gives the organization a little more depth in the event of an injury to one of Suter or Rogers. It also gives Cincinnati some added insurance if they decide to start selling off pieces from the bullpen later this summer.

La Sorsa isn't going to be a key member of the Reds' bullpen, but you can never have enough pitching, right? Look for the Reds to recall the left-hander to the big leagues at some point later this season. La Sorsa has 16 major league appearances under his belt and career 4.58 ERA.

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