Luis Mey’s latest setback could push Reds toward a familiar solution

Luis Mey didn't get his act together, and it cost him. On Thursday, the Cincinnati Reds optioned Mey to Triple-A Louisville. The 24-year-old flamethrower had been dominant at times, but the wildness is difficult to watch. Former Reds pitcher Buck Farmer has been pitching well for the Reds' Triple-A affiliate, and he may soon get the call.

Farmer has posted a 3.18 ERA over 12 games since returning to the Reds organization and has five saves thus far for the Louisville Bats. The 34-year-old veteran won't wow you with his stuff, but he could bring consistency and reliability a Reds' bullpen that desperately needs it.

Farmer spent the previous three seasons with the Reds. Former Cincinnati manager David Bell heavily relied on Farmer, and he delivered with a 3.04 ERA last season — the best of his career. The righty could provide poise and experience to a position currently filled by an inexperienced and inconsistent rookie.

Luis Mey’s latest setback could push Reds toward a familiar solution

Mey posted a 1.600 WHIP and has walked 16 batters in 20 innings pitched. Unfortunately, the Reds' bullpen needed him at the time, and it was glaringly obvious why. Connor Phillips and Sam Moll have struggled in this season, but with Ian Gibaut on the mend, Alexis Diaz in Los Angeles, and Nick Martinez needed in the rotation, it's easy to see why he was on the roster.

Similar to Aroldis Chapman's early years as a member of the Reds bullpen, the future may be bright for Mey, but he still needs time to develop. His sinker touches triple digits with ease, and his ground ball rate is high. The inability to stay in the zone, however, is hard to step over. Mey's wild tendencies have been long chronicled through the minor leagues, and though they've improved over the years, but not enough to be MLB ready.

Mey remains a high-ceiling prospect the Reds' should keep in their back pocket. If he finds the strike zone, his sinker is un-hittable and his slider is deadly. Keyword there is if. The Reds find themselves in the playoff hunt, and with the season winding down, Farmer is the best option to add depth to a taxed and chaotic bullpen.

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