Rehabbing Reds' pitcher aims to chase former All-Star off Cincy's active roster

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Sam Moll was sent on a rehab assignment earlier this week and made his first appearance during the Louisville Bats' game against the Iowa Cubs this past Tuesday. Moll is recovering from a left shoulder impingement and is expected to return sometime later this month or early next.

Moll's velocity was down during his first couple of outings in the big leagues this season. Normally sitting around 92 mph, Moll's heater was averaging just 90.6 mph on the radar gun. Tuesday's outing saw the southpaw reach 94 mph with his fastball. He struck out one and didn't allow a hit, signaling that his return to the Reds active roster could be imminent.

But the Reds have an unenviable choice to make once Moll is activated; who gets sent down? If everyone is healthy, the decision comes down to one of two pitchers—Alexis Diaz and Graham Ashcraft. With all things being equal, this choice may be easier than most fans think.

Sam Moll's impending return to the Reds roster should push former All-Star closer back to the minor leagues

While the Reds could decide to designate Ian Gibaut for assignment, the right-hander has been nails since his Opening Day collapse. Diaz, on the other hand, has been abysmal since returning from the IL. In four outings, Diaz has just two punch outs in four innings pitched and four walks. The former All-Star is missing the strike zone repeatedly, and a trip back to the minors should be in order.

Reds broadcaster Jeff Brantley revealed a major flaw during Diaz's last trip to the mound. 'The Cowboy' cited Diaz's big leg kick as a sign for opposing baserunners. His extended delivery allowed four Miami Marlins players to steal a base earlier this week, and only once did Jose Trevino even attempt to throw the runner out.

Though Ashcraft has shown some cracks in recent days, the Reds' right-hander still maintains a solid 0.84 ERA with nine strikeouts in 10 ⅔ innings of work. Ashcraft has endured issues with walks as well, allowing five free passes in nine outings, but his performance has been far better than Diaz's to this point in the season.

Moll will need another few trips to the mound without showing any lingering effects before Cincinnati considers recalling him to the big leagues, and it's unlikely that the Reds would add the lefty back to the active roster until he makes back-to-back relief appearances for Triple-A Louisville. But that could be in the works, and something that happens as soon as this weekend.

Moll's uptick in velocity is a good sign. While the Reds already have two other left-handed relievers in the bullpen (Brent Suter and Taylor Rogers) adding a third would give manager Terry Francona even more options. With an increased workload on the Reds bullpen and an upcoming 17 straight games without an off-day, Cincinnati needs their most reliable relievers on the roster. Diaz is not among that group at this time.

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