DENVER — Seeking to reinforce their bullpen, the Cincinnati Reds called up right-handed reliever Lyon Richardson from Triple-A Louisville on Saturday. To make room, they placed fellow right-hander Ian Gibaut on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement.
Gibaut took the mound in the fifth inning during the Reds’ 8-7 win over the Rockies on Friday but had a rough outing, surrendering two runs on three hits and blowing a lead. Through 12 appearances this season, Gibaut has posted a 5.40 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. His 2024 campaign was similarly hampered, limited to just two outings by a forearm injury.
Richardson got word of his promotion just after midnight ET and immediately caught an early morning flight to Denver.
“They just need me to eat some innings,” Richardson said. “I’ve been stretched out to pitch up to three innings if needed—usually it’s been two. Whether it’s middle relief or long relief, I’m ready for whatever they need.”
Richardson previously appeared in five Major League games (four starts) over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He narrowly missed making the Opening Day roster this year after an impressive spring where he posted a 1.80 ERA in nine outings.
At Triple-A Louisville this season, Richardson is off to a solid start, compiling a 4-0 record and a 4.15 ERA in seven relief appearances.
“The first few games were a little rough because of the weather,” Richardson admitted, “but I’ve started to find my rhythm as the season’s progressed.”
