Urgent Reds roster decision looms before Phillies showdown

The Cincinnati Reds face a crucial three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies this week. Cincinnati currently trails the New York Mets by just 1½ games in the chase for the final NL Card Wild spot, and need to win the upcoming series before staring down a three-game set with the National League-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

Before the Reds begin the upcoming series against the Phillies, however, Cincinnati must reshuffle the bullpen once again. Running on fumes, the Reds made numerous moves to help provide respite for their exhausted group of relievers, but at least one more transaction is needed before the Phils come to town.

Luis Mey showed over the weekend why the Reds cannot trust him in high-leverage situations. Though the right-hander possesses a devastating fastball, his command is all over the map. Terry Francona, hoping to preserve some of his top arms, turned to Mey in the seventh inning of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and the fireballer proceeded to walk three of the four batters he faced.

The Reds must option Luis Mey back to Triple-A before the showdown with the Phillies

Mey must be optioned back to Triple-A on Monday, and Cincinnati should recall former top prospect Connor Phillips. Phillips has been quite impressive for Triple-A Louisville over the past few weeks, and the Reds need reinforcements with Bryce Harper and Co. coming to Great American Ball Park on Monday night.

Phillips has already made four appearances out of the Reds bullpen this season, but much like Mey, struggled with command. During his five innings of work, the right-hander walked four and struck out four while allowing four runs on five hits.

Since returning to Triple-A in early-July, however, Phillips has been one of the Louisville Bats' most trusted relievers. In 18⅓ innings of work, Phillips owns a 2.95 ERA and has 21 punch outs. Though he's still walking 14.3% of the batters he's faced, the opposition is only hitting .129 off Phillips since he was sent back to Triple-A over a month ago.

The Reds could make a high-upside play and promote Zach Maxwell to the active roster, but there's certainly risk involved with such a move. Much like Mey and Phillips, Maxwell has struggled with command throughout the season, but his 1.17 ERA and 13 strikeouts over his last seven appearances at Triple-A suggest that 'Big Sugar' could be turning a corner.

No matter which way the Reds go, it's imperative that they get Mey out of the bullpen. With the impending return of Hunter Greene, it's expected that one of Nick Martinez or Chase Burns will be moved to the bullpen. That, plus the removal of Mey, should help to solidify the Reds' relief during the upcoming series against the Phillies.

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