The Reds announced earlier on Saturday that they have placed left-hander Brent Suter on the 15-day injured list due to a partial tear in his left teres major muscle. According to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, there were initial concerns within the club that the injury might sideline Suter for the rest of the 2024 season.
However, Suter himself has indicated to reporters, including those at Bally Sports Cincinnati, that his recovery timeline is more optimistic. He expects to be shut down for between four to six weeks, followed by a period to regain his game fitness.
Although this timeline suggests a possible return in September, losing Suter is a significant setback for the Reds’ bullpen. Cincinnati’s bullpen has been a standout this season, boasting a collective ERA of 3.44 (sixth-best in MLB) and a FIP of 3.65 (seventh-best). Suter, in particular, has been instrumental with a solid 3.68 ERA over 51 1/3 innings pitched this year, accounting for nearly 15% of the team’s bullpen workload, which leads the Reds.
With both Suter and Carson Spiers recently sidelined, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Reds pursue reinforcements for their bullpen in the upcoming weeks. Earlier this month, Reds management indicated they were undecided on their approach to the trade deadline, though their recent acquisition of outfielder Austin Slater suggests a willingness to bolster their roster.
Potential targets could include relief pitchers like Mason Miller of the A’s and Michael Kopech of the White Sox, as identified by MLBTR’s Top 50 Trade Candidates.
Beyond bullpen needs, the Reds have shown interest in improving their outfield depth. They previously explored options like Kevin Kiermaier from the Blue Jays and Lane Thomas from the Nationals, both of whom could provide valuable contributions despite varying offensive performances this season. Additionally, the potential return of TJ Friedl, who is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment, offers optimism for bolstering the outfield mix if he can overcome earlier season injuries.
Overall, while the loss of Suter is significant, the Reds are actively evaluating options to maintain their competitive edge as they navigate the remainder of the season and approach the trade deadline.
