Reds lose pitcher to IL before Pirates clash

Cincinnati Reds fans have become numb to bad news during what has been a prolonged plunge in the National League standings. They will not be surprised by much after seeing their club get swept by the Milwaukee Brewers at home and fall to an abysmal 2-15 against divisional opponents this season. The body blows did not stop when Cincy left Great American Ball Park, though. Tony Santillan is the latest pitcher to land on the shelf.

The Reds are placing the 29-year-old reliever on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain, per the team’s X account. The move is retroactive to June 23. Fellow right-hander Zach McCambley will occupy his spot on the roster for the time being. He debuted on June 3 but was sent down to Triple-A Louisville after allowing three runs in one inning versus the San Diego Padres on June 8. The 2020 third-round draft pick is hoping to stick around a bit longer this time.

Santillan has weathered his own MLB struggles this season. He has a 5.23 ERA, 1.387 WHIP and an .821 OPS against through 31 innings pitched. Before giving up a run in Monday’s 2-1 extra-innings loss versus the Brewers, the 2015 second-round draft pick had tossed seven straight scoreless frames. Reds manager Terry Francona has been waiting for Santillan to reclaim his stellar 2025 form, which saw the native Texan post a 2.44 ERA in a team-high 80 appearances.

A potential resurgence will have to wait. Emilio Pagan and Graham Ashcraft are still on the IL, so this bullpen cannot take on any more water. McCambley will try to plug in one of the holes and take full advantage of his second stint in the big leagues.

Last-place Cincinnati (37-42) limps into PNC Park for a three-game series versus the Pittsburgh Pirates (41-40). All-Star lefty Andrew Abbott aims to lead his squad to a desperately-needed NL Central victory on Friday night, as he squares off with reigning Cy Young winner Paul Skenes. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. ET.