Wade Miley's impending return presents the Reds with a difficult choice

The Cincinnati Reds will soon have another veteran pitcher added to their starting rotation. Wade Miley threw three innings during an extended stay in Arizona earlier this week, and all signs point to the left-hander heading out on a rehab assignment by at least next week. Miley's recovering from Tommy John surgery, and with all systems go, he'll undoubtedly be able to join the Reds 40-man roster sometime in May.

His return, however, will cause a bit of logjam in the Reds rotation. Cincinnati has five quality starters at the moment, and unless Terry Francona has plans to initiate a six-man rotation—which is highly unlikely—the Reds will soon have a difficult decision to make. One of Cincinnati's starters will have to go.

Hunter Greene—perhaps the leader for the 2025 NL Cy Young Award at the moment—is staying put. Nick Lodolo had his struggles during his previous outing, but the lefty is an integral part of Cincinnati's rotation. Former Kansas City Royals pitcher Brady Singer has put up solid numbers since joining the Reds, and is a durable and reliable starter. That leaves Nick Martinez and Andrew Abbott. So who's going to get the axe when Miley returns?

Wade Miley's impending return leaves the Reds to choose between Nick Martinez and Andrew Abbott

Obviously neither Martinez nor Abbott will be released; that'd be crazy. In fact, the fate of both Martinez and Abbott could be vastly different depending on which direction Francona and the Reds coaching staff decides to go.

Martinez, who's under contract for $21.05 million this season, could be moved to the bullpen. Martinez spent time as a reliever last season and excelled in that role. Having a pitcher like Martinez who can go two or three innings in relief is invaluable, especially once the season enters July and August.

As for Abbott, the left-hander has minor-league options remaining, meaning the Reds can send him down to Triple-A Louisville when Miley returns to the rotation. Having an arm like Abbott's in reserve down in the minor leagues is a benefit that few organizations possess.

There's always the possibility that an injury could creep in between now and the time that Miley is ready to rejoin the team. If that happens, it makes the Reds decision even easier. But this problem won't go away. Rhett Lowder has been ramping up as well, and will soon be looking to make his return to the active roster.

Miley's impending return presents Cincinnati with a choice, but it won't be the last time this season that Nick Krall and Co. are deciding between two (or three) very good players. This is a problem, but it a good one to have.

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