Terry Francona's surprising decision thrusts revamped Reds pitcher into the spotlight

Update (4/19/25 7:35 p.m. ET) : Lyon Richardson pitched for Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, meaning the Reds are unlikely to recall him before Sunday's game at Baltimore. The Reds currently have an opening on the 40-man roster, and could call up another starter from the Louisville Bats roster without making a corresponding roster move.

Lyon Richardson is taking on a new role this season. The former second-round pick, who'd been a starting pitcher for the past few years, is being transformed into a reliever. Richardson is currently down at Triple-A Louisville, but after Terry Francona inserted Carson Spiers into Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati may need reinforcements for the series finale on Sunday.

Hunter Greene was ambushed by the O's bats on Saturday. The Reds ace gave up two runs during the first inning, then after being forced to change his glove, gave up three more runs over the next two innings before being replaced by left-hander Taylor Rogers to start the fourth. In total, Greene threw just 77 pitches, which was a far cry from the type of production Francona was hoping to receive from the right-hander on Saturday.

Terry Francona's surprising decision likely thrusts Reds pitcher Lyon Richardson into the spotlight

With the Reds bullpen absolutely gassed, Francona decided to turn to Spiers to begin the fifth inning. The Reds had just recalled the right-hander on Friday after placing Nick Lodolo on the paternity list. Spiers was scheduled to take Lodolo's spot in the rotation on Sunday, but after being inserted into the game on Saturday, the Reds may need to make a phone call.

Richardson last pitched on Wednesday at Triple-A, and while he's no longer a starter, the righty can give Francona two (maybe three) innings on Sunday. Richardson is 2-0 with a 6.00 ERA and 10 strikeouts this season. The Reds also have Graham Ashcraft and Brent Suter in the bullpen, and both pitchers are well equipped to go multiple innings.

This was definitely not the choice that Francona wanted to make, but in an effort to save his bullpen over the course of the season, turning to Spiers was the right call. With the former Clemson standout scheduled to head back to Triple-A anyway upon Lodolo's return, fans should expect Spiers to be optioned ahead of Sunday's if Cincinnati does indeed activate Richardson.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors