Following the 2020 season the Cincinnati Reds traded away Raisel Iglesias and they non-tendered Archie Bradley. The team was still returning Amir Garrett, Lucas Sims, Tejay Antone, and Michael Lorenzen – but the latter two were also in contention for a spot in the rotation. Cincinnati had spots to fill.
Fast forward a few months and Michael Lorenzen is injured and won’t be eligible to return for another six weeks. The bullpen has been filled with Sal Romano, Carson Fulmer, Cam Bedrosian, Sean Doolittle, Cionel Pérez, and while he hasn’t pitched in relief yet – José De León.