Reds add another piece for potential playoff push

Littell has quietly been a solid part of the Rays' rotation, posting a 3.58 ERA and a 1.118 WHiP over his 133.1 innings, striking out 89 batters with 21 walks. He ranks second in the AL with a 1.418  BB/9 rate, as his ability to throw strikes and eat innings is an asset in the back of any rotation.

There are red flags with Littell heading to Cincinnati. Great American Ball Park, home of the Reds, is the fourth most offensively charged stadium in the majors. Littell leads the majors with 26 homers allowed, something that could be magnified with the Reds.

The 28-year-old Van Belle has yet to make his major league debut, although he did spend three days with the Red Sox, failing to appear in a game. He has posted a solid 3.21 ERA and a 1.180 WHiP over his 81.1 innings between the Reds and Red Sox Triple-A teams, striking out 69 batters with just 11 walks. He had been on the Reds' 40-man roster and could finally appear in a major league game with the Rays.

Serwinowski had been considered the Reds' 10th-best prospect per MLB.com. His mid-90-mph fastball and sweeper are both considered plus offerings, although his ability to command his arsenal is a question mark. The Reds had been developing Serwinowski as a starter, but his lack of a third offering and shaky command may push the lefty into the bullpen, where he could become a weapon in the later innings.

The Reds' decision to add ahead of the deadline is interesting. They are three games out of the final playoff berth, and 7.5 games back in the NL Central, entering Thursday. There is still a lot of time left before the postseason, but it is fair to wonder if Hayes and Littell make the Reds better. A move to a better offensive park should help boost Hayes' production. However, Littell heading to a ballpark where home runs are hit 24% more frequently than at a neutral site could be a disaster.