The Reds are planning to start right-hander Robert Dugger in tomorrow’s contest in Milwaukee, the team informed reporters (including Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer). The team will need to formally select his contract before the game, but they have a pair of vacancies on the 40-man roster.
It’ll be Dugger’s first MLB start of the season. He’s made three long relief appearances, one with the Rays and two with Cincinnati. Dugger has tallied 12 innings of six-run ball over that time, striking out 17 batters against just three walks. Despite the decent numbers in his brief looks, he’s been successively designated for assignment after each of his previous appearances. That’s in large part because he’s out of minor league option years, meaning clubs have to keep him on the big league roster or take him off the 40-man entirely every time he earns a promotion.
To this point, neither Tampa Bay nor Cincinnati has been willing to give the 27-year-old an extended look. He’s functioned as something of a 14th man on each pitching staff, coming up as needed to soak up some innings but not getting a lengthier opportunity. Since the Reds claimed him off waivers from Tampa Bay in May, he’s passed through the wire unclaimed on three separate occasions. Each time, Dugger has foregone the possibility of free agency and reported to Triple-A Louisville in hopes of pitching his way back to Cincinnati.
The Texas Tech product has started 12 of his 15 Triple-A appearances on the year, tallying 58 2/3 innings. He owns a 4.30 ERA with a modest 18.3% strikeout rate and a 9.8% walk percentage. Over parts of four big league campaigns, Dugger has a 6.97 ERA in 82 2/3 frames.
Does he know Steven Duggar? How about Dirk Diggler?
Hacksaw Jim Duggar?
Although he’s a better hitter. Always brings the big lumber
The Reds might as well grab Steven Duggar while they’re at it.
This dude should walk out to Eminem’s “Im Back”
Dugger up, Duggar down.
Robert Dugger = Drew Hutchison Both named to the 2022 AAAA All Star Team
Dugger? I barely know her
Still curious why the Reds hung onto guys like Farmer and Almora. Clearly neither one is part of the future. Farmer could be a versatile bench guy for any number of teams, and especially so because he can catch if needed. Almora’s bat is better this year, but his GG caliber defense could be an asset for a lot of teams even if it’s just a late-inning defensive replacement.
I’d play Jose Barrero everyday at SS and find out whether or not all the hype that surrounded him a year or so ago is for real or just a mirage. He has power and speed, so why sit him on the bench? Let him get regular at bats over the final 50+ games and then decide if he’s your everyday SS in 2023.
Love Lodolo, Ashcroft and Greene. Easily see them being numbers 1, 2 and 3 next year in some order.
Not sure about David Bell as a manager. He’s about as inspiring as oatmeal.
Lastly, Drury was a good soldier and a nice find. Hope he continues to do well in San Diego.
Almora has zero trade value. Farmer is still cheap, and is the Reds starting SS until Barrero proves he can hit big league pitching.
Not sure about Almora’s trade value but I would bring him back next year at the right price. I was a little surprised at Farmer not moving. He has considerable value as a utility player and pinch hitter. And yes, play Barrero every day this season. We need to begin to sort out SS for the future.