Ian Gibaut has been working through a right shoulder impingement, but the Cincinnati Reds reliever is expected to return ahead of Wednesday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. His activation from the injured list will require a corresponding roster move — and it’s likely that either Luis Mey or Lyon Richardson will be sent back to the minors.
That move might be delayed, though. Instead of immediately optioning Mey or Richardson, the Reds could temporarily send rookie Chase Petty down. Petty hasn’t pitched since May 11 in Houston, and after the team used an opener in his place last week, it’s clear his role is limited for now. With Hunter Greene set to return on Friday, Petty is likely to be optioned soon anyway — potentially as early as Wednesday.
Still, it’s only a matter of time before either Mey or Richardson is sent down. Of the bullpen arms, only those two and Graham Ashcraft have minor league options remaining — and Ashcraft isn’t going anywhere. That narrows the decision to Mey or Richardson.
Gibaut’s Return Likely to Cost Mey or Richardson a Roster Spot
Many Reds fans won’t be thrilled by the move, especially considering how well Mey and Richardson have pitched. But MLB roster rules limit rehab assignments to 30 days — and Gibaut, who began his rehab stint on May 11, is running out of time. He’s looked sharp in his appearances with Triple-A Louisville, tossing four innings, striking out five, and allowing just one hit.
Despite a disastrous Opening Day outing against the Giants, Gibaut rebounded strongly, posting a 2.45 ERA over his last 11 appearances before the injury. He had been one of manager Terry Francona’s most trusted bullpen arms.
In contrast, both Mey and Richardson have excelled during Gibaut’s absence. Mey’s overpowering fastball and Richardson’s deceptive changeup have been standout weapons in the Reds’ relief corps, especially with Gibaut, Sam Moll, and Carson Spiers sidelined. On Tuesday, Mey showed a bit of vulnerability, surrendering a hit and a walk in the seventh inning, though Cincinnati escaped without damage. Richardson followed up in the eighth, working around a leadoff single and an error by Elly De La Cruz to keep the scoreboard clean.
While demoting either Mey or Richardson might feel harsh, it’s more about roster management than performance. The Reds are looking to maintain a deep and rested bullpen for the long haul. A roster move is expected before Wednesday’s first pitch in Pittsburgh — and if Mey and Richardson remain safe then, one will almost certainly be optioned when Greene reclaims his spot on Friday.
