Reds Bring Up Carlos Contreras To Ride Out Bullpen Crisis

http://donatelifeohio.org/

The Reds have taxed their bullpen to the max the last two days.

The Reds reached out to Double A Pensacola and picked Carlos Contreras to bolster a tired bullpen.

http://www.wiedemannbeer.com

The Reds designated Roger Bernadina for assignment.

The move is probably temporary.  The Reds have 10 days to either, trade, release or assign Bernadina to the minor leagues.  He would have to pass through waivers for him to be assigned and he would have to agree to it.

The Reds won't play too long short a position player.  Look for Contreras to go back to Pensacola after the pitching crisis is over.  The Reds will then reinstate Bernadina.

Bernadina was designated for assignment to make room for Skip Schumaker when the latter was coming off the DL.  Bernadina was brought back the next day when Jay Bruce has knee surgery.

"A day off for the bullpen would get us in the right direction," Price said. "A couple of quality starts and I don't mean six innings, I mean seven or eight innings."

The Reds brought in Contreras in case the starters can't ride out the storm.

"If the starters aren't effective, they will have to stay out there a little longer," Price said.  "That's just the way it is."

Contreras is 23-years old. He is from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2008 at the age of 17.

Along with Daniel Corcino and Ismael Guillon, Contreras is among the top pitching prospects in the Reds organization.

Contreras was the closer for Dayton in 2012, appearing in 40 games.  He saved 16 of them with an 0-1 record and a 3.20 ERA.  He was promoted to Bakersfield and saved four games in nine appearances with a 2.70 ERA.

Last season Contreras was moved into Bakersfield's starting rotation. He was 5-7 with a 3.80 ERA in 18 starts. Contreras struck out 96 batters in 90 innings and walked 41. The Reds promoted him to Pensacola.  The 5'11' right-hander started eight games in Double A, earning a 3-2 record with a 2.76 ERA.

This season at Pensacola, Contreras appeared in nine games, starting three of them.  He has a 2-1 record with a 2.70 ERA.  Contreras pitched 20 innings with 27 strike outs and 11 walks.  Opponents hit just .195 off him.  His last outing was on Thursday against Huntsville, pitching one inning with one strikeout.  He threw eight pitches.