"The southpaw strained his right oblique and will be shelved for at least a few weeks. The injury will delay Ferguson's team debut. The Reds signed him to a one-year, $4.5MM free agent contract. Ferguson is coming off a 3.58 earned run average over 65 1/3 innings split between the Pirates and Mariners."
"Ferguson hasn't pitched well this spring, giving up five runs while allowing nine of 13 batters faced to reach base (six hits and three walks). His track record locked him into a bullpen role either way, of course. Ferguson and trade acquisition Brock Burke would have been the two left-handers guaranteed to be on the Opening Day roster."
"His injury should increase Sam Moll's chances of breaking camp. The 34-year-old is out of options and on the roster bubble as the #3 lefty reliever on the depth chart. Moll gave up a 6.38 ERA despite an impressive 27% strikeout rate across 23 big league appearances last year."
Caleb Ferguson, signed by the Reds to a one-year, $4.5MM free agent contract, will begin the season on the 15-day injured list after straining his right oblique. Ferguson comes off a 3.58 ERA over 65 1/3 innings with the Pirates and Mariners, though his strikeout rate declined to 18.9%. His injury delays his team debut and creates roster flexibility for Cincinnati. Sam Moll, a 34-year-old out of options, gains increased chances of making the Opening Day roster as the third left-handed reliever. The Reds may also consider right-handed options like Luis Mey, Connor Phillips, or Zach Maxwell, or utilize Brandon Williamson for long relief duties.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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