Reds Make Roster Move After Cardinals Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Segun Ajayi | Last updated May 23, 2026 7:24 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds made key roster moves following their loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader. Cincinnati struggled in an 8–1 defeat despite manager Terry Francona putting out a promising lineup.

The Reds announced that right-handed pitcher Chase Petty had been added as the 27th player for the second game of the doubleheader and will start before returning to Triple-A. Left-handed pitcher Caleb Ferguson was also activated from the 15-day injured list, while right-handed reliever Zach Maxwell was recalled from Triple-A Louisville.

Right-handed relievers Connor Phillips and Jose Franco were optioned to Triple-A Louisville as corresponding moves. Phillips and Franco have both struggled with command this season, with Phillips walking 28 batters and hitting three in 27.2 innings. Franco has also struggled with control, issuing 14 walks in 16.2 innings with Cincinnati.

The #Reds today announced the following transactions: pic.twitter.com/YByKhZnm95
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 23, 2026

Their performances likely played a role in the Reds’ decision to reshape the bullpen ahead of the second game against St. Louis.

Ferguson returns after spending three weeks rehabbing in the minor leagues following his stint on the injured list. The 29-year-old tossed a hitless inning with one walk and one strikeout in his first rehab outing with Chattanooga at the end of April.

The left-hander, who previously pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Seattle Mariners, later moved up to Triple-A, where he struggled with consistency. He posted a 15.88 ERA in six appearances, allowing 12 hits, walking five batters, hitting one, and striking out four across 5.2 innings.

Meanwhile, Maxwell has been in strong form at Triple-A over the last month. The 25-year-old allowed three runs in 0.2 innings on April 12 but has since surrendered just one run over his next 12.1 innings.

Maxwell, who made his MLB debut in 2024, has allowed only three hits while striking out 20 batters during that stretch for the Louisville Bats.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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