It was a move that had to happen.
After a disastrous ninth inning on Wednesday in which Alexis Díaz gave up five runs—including three consecutive home runs—the Cincinnati Reds have sent the former All-Star to Triple-A Louisville. In his place, flame-throwing right-hander Luis Mey has been called up to the major league roster ahead of Thursday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Díaz’s meltdown turned a one-run game into a 6-0 loss in the first game of a doubleheader. His 2025 season has been rough from the start, following a spring training hamstring injury. In six appearances, Díaz has posted a staggering 12.00 ERA with just three strikeouts over six innings. It’s a sharp decline from the pitcher who once represented the Reds at the All-Star Game in 2023.
Díaz returns to a familiar setting in Louisville, where he pitched during a recent rehab stint before being activated in mid-April. Despite some strikeouts during that assignment, control issues persisted—four walks in five innings. The command problems that began last season haven’t gone away, as his strikeout rate continues to dip and his walk rate stays alarmingly high.
Luis Mey, known for his 100+ mph fastball but also occasional wildness, now joins the Reds’ bullpen. While he brings undeniable heat, he isn’t expected to take over high-leverage roles just yet. Manager Terry Francona will likely continue to rely on Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan, and Emilio Pagán to close out games.
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