Reds place another pitcher on IL ahead of Braves clash

The Cincinnati Reds own one of the worst bullpens in MLB through the first two months of the season, and rampant injury troubles are one of the reasons why. They placed right-hander Graham Ashcraft on the 60-day injured list due to a UCL sprain, and just one day later, the team is losing another key relief pitcher. Pierce Johnson is heading to the 15-day IL (retroactive to May 27) with right elbow inflammation, per the team’s X account.

Cincy is calling up Lyon Richardson from Triple-A Louisville. The 2018 second-round draft pick owns a 6.05 ERA in 39 career games pitched and recently allowed six runs in an appearance for the Bats. Additionally, the Reds are designating Kyle Nicolas for assignment. He has endured his own struggles, having not logged an MLB outing since April 24.

Obviously, the big takeaway is the Johnson news. The 35-year-old has posted a 3.27 ERA and 20 strikeouts through 20 innings pitched in 2026. While those numbers are not stellar, he is one of Terry Francona’s most used relievers. An already depleted pen is now frighteningly scarce. Cincinnati’s chances of challenging for divisional supremacy continue to decrease amid this shocking run of hurler-based misfortune.

Pierce Johnson and Graham Ashcraft join closer Emilio Pagan on the IL, and lefty Caleb Ferguson just made his 2026 debut after nursing an oblique strain. The Reds cannot absorb any more damage to this relief unit.

Francona must figure out how to successfully get his pitching staff through all nine innings amid this heightened state of adversity. Completing such an objective could be especially tricky against a splendid Atlanta Braves lineup on Saturday night. Prayer circles have surely begun on Joe Nuxhall Way.

First pitch is at 7:15 p.m. ET.

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