News
Reds add lefty Viola for bullpen depth
More moves likely after Triple-A Louisville ends season
In 54 Triple-A appearances, Viola was 2-2 with a 5.47 ERA and converted eight of 11 saves. (MLB.com)
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
09/02/09 12:45 PM ET
CINCINNATI -- On Friday, the Reds will embark on a season-high 17 games in a row without a day off, including the first 10 on the road. Now that rosters have expanded, Cincinnati made one move for bullpen depth Thursday, calling up left-handed pitcher Pedro Viola from Triple-A Louisville for his first big league stint. "We'd like to call up a couple of more guys but [Louisville] has the playoffs there," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. In the upcoming trip, Baker is expecting to see a lot of lefty hitters like Brian McCann, Garret Anderson and Ryan Church in Atlanta and Todd Helton and Brad Hawpe in Colorado. "You can wear the left side of your bullpen out if you don't have some extra help," Baker said. "Daniel [Herrera] is a little worn and Arthur [Rhodes], you have to spot him." A 26-year-old Dominican, Viola is in only his fourth professional season and just completed his first year in Triple-A. In 54 relief appearances, Viola was 2-2 with a 5.47 ERA and converted eight of 11 save chances. In 49 1/3 innings, he walked 33 and struck out 57. "They said he was some days very good and some days a little sporadic," Baker said. "But that's a part of youth. He looks great. He looks like he got stronger even since we saw him in Spring Training." To make room on the 40-man roster for Viola, infielder Danny Richar (shoulder surgery) was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
