Hoover proved so incapable of handling the role that he left the Reds almost no choice. They optioned the struggling right-handed relief pitcher to the Triple-A Louisville Bats as part of a flurry of roster moves before Saturday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 28-year-old veteran allowed six home runs in 10-2/3 innings over 12 games and 17 earned runs overall for a 14.34 earned-run average. He had one save in two opportunities.
“We came to the conclusion that this had to happen for him to get back to throwing the ball the way he’s capable,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “I have to see the finished product. Until I do, it’s hard to put him in the game. This way, he’s on a 10-day schedule, and he’ll pitch as much as he can. I do know we’re a better team with J.J. Hoover throwing the ball the way he’s capable of throwing it.”
Hoover was a key part of the Reds’ teams that won the National League Central Division championship in 2012 and earned a playoff wild-card berth in 2013. He suffered an alarming drop in production in 2014, going 1-10 with a 4.88 ERA and allowing 13 home runs in 62-2/3 innings before rebounding last season.
Price admitted that the fans’ reactions to seeing Hoover come through the bullpen door – they weren’t saying “Hooooooo-ver” – didn’t help the beleaguered Pittsburgh native.
“It’s an unforgiving role any place you play,” Price said. “I know they embrace him when he does well. He certainly has the physical ability. I expect him to be back here.”
Moscot Out: The Reds also placed right-hander Jon Moscot on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 3, while recalling right-hander Drew Hayes from Louisville and selecting from the Bats the contract of right-handed pitcher Steve Delabar.
Moscot developed soreness in the left shoulder that he dislocated trying to make a diving tag last season, an injury that required season-ending surgery. Price had hoped to nurse him back to the starting rotation with some limited bullpen work, but when Moscot showed no improvement, he was sidelined.
“He didn’t get better,” Price said. “At the beginning, he progressively got better. He was throwing bullpens, and we thought we might be able to use him for a couple of inning, but then he didn’t get any better and it was a case where I couldn’t put him in there and have him throw 10 pitches and then have to take him out because it got sore.”
Hayes will be making his second appearance with Cincinnati. He was 0-0 with a 7.56 ERA and a blown save in 8 1/3 innings over four games in April.
Delabar, 32, was 1-0 with a 2.19 ERA in nine games for Louisville. He is 15-9 with a 3.95 ERA and two saves in 183 games over five seasons with Seattle and Toronto.
“Steve has pitched in all sorts of roles at the big league level,” Price said.
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