Cincinnati Reds Recall Reliever for Season's Final Road Trip

September 23, 2026 - 01:09

The Cincinnati Reds made a move to reinforce their pitching staff on Tuesday, recalling right-hander Connor Phillips from Triple-A Louisville. In a corresponding transaction, the team placed fellow reliever Tony Santillan on the injured list.

Phillips returns to the major league club as it prepares for the last road trip of the season. The young pitcher has shown flashes of potential during his time in the minors, and the Reds are hoping he can provide quality innings out of the bullpen down the stretch. His promotion gives the team a fresh arm at a point in the year when pitching depth is often tested.

Santillan heads to the injured list after dealing with lingering discomfort. The move is a blow to a relief corps that has relied on him in high-leverage situations. There is no official timeline for his return, but the team will monitor his progress closely.

The Reds are still mathematically alive in the playoff race, though their margin for error is slim. Every game on this final trip carries weight, and the bullpen will need to step up in Santillan's absence. Phillips now has an opportunity to prove he belongs at the highest level.

Cincinnati opens the road swing against a division opponent, looking to string together wins and keep its postseason hopes intact. The next few days will reveal whether the roster shuffle pays off.