Major League Baseball can be a tough gig at times. The Reds announced today that lefty Kent Emanuel, whose contract was just selected from Triple-A Louisville earlier today, has been designated for assignment. Righty Zach Maxwell was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to take his spot on the roster.
The 34-year-old Emanuel started the first half of today’s twin bill against St. Louis and pitched well. The Cards pushed two runs across but were limited to five hits and three walks. Emanuel punched out four batters. It’s as strong a showing as one could’ve reasonably expected from a journeyman lefty who was pitching in the independent Atlantic League just a few weeks ago. He kept the Reds in the game and spared the bullpen ahead of tonight’s encore. Cincinnati didn’t win, but that falls more on an offense that only managed one run against rookie left-hander Quinn Mathews & Co.
Solid as today’s showing was, Emanuel probably went into it knowing it’d be a one-off appearance barring something truly extreme. He’s not going to be available to pitch for the next four days. The Reds will need fresh arms. Such is the life of an out-of-options journeyman/veteran who’s called to the big leagues for a spot start.
With today’s appearance in the books, Emanuel can now officially say he’s pitched in parts of three major league seasons. He’s pitched briefly with the Astros and Marlins, tossing exactly 17 2/3 innings with each club (Houston in ’21, Miami in ’24). The 6’4″ UNC product has logged a 4.58 ERA, 16.7% strikeout rate, 7.3% walk rate and 55.5% ground-ball rate in that time. He typically works off a three-pitch mix fronted by an 89-90 mph sinker. Emanuel complements that heavy sinker with a slider in the upper 70s and a changeup in the low 80s.
With the trade deadline behind us, the Reds have no choice but to put Emanuel on waivers. It’s quite likely that he’ll clear but perhaps today’s performance piqued the interest of a club in need of a long man or a spot starter this coming weekend. Failing that, he’ll be outrighted back to Louisville and have the option to either accept the assignment or reject in favor of free agency — which is his right as a player who’s previously been outrighted in the past.
