Cincinnati Reds call up reliever J. J. Hoover – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds have now called up reliever J. J. Hoover, in a move aimed at further strengthening the bullpen. Being at Triple-A Louisville, the reliever was performing outstandingly well, keeping him on the Reds’ radar.
Cincinnati made room for the player by sending Devin Mesoraco to Triple-A Louisville, a move that was probably not much expected. Nonetheless, with Hoover back, the Redbirds hope they will be a stronger side now as far as the bullpen is concerned.
Already sitting atop the National League Central ranking, the Reds have had tremendous defence this season, outrivaling the opponents, leaving everyone off guard.
Hoover earlier had a stint with the Reds after he was acquired from the Atlanta Braves for third baseman Juan Francisco. It was on April 1 that he came here and displayed a good performance, but was sent to Triple-A Louisville.
Prior to being sent down there, Hoover had 17 appearances for the Reds, having 1-0 record with 3.00 ERA. While being at Triple-A Louisville, he had 1.22 ERA – impressive as it was, in 30 games wherein he had 13 saves in 14 chances with a 4-0 record.
That is what the Reds hope Hoover will bring here given the remarkably good rotation that the club has had this season.
Hoover, on the other hand, is satisfied with how he has pitched.
"I'm happy with how I've pitched," Hoover said. "I've always said you have to get the hitters out, no matter what level you're at. I tried to maintain the same outlook and mindset I've had all year. I'm throwing strikes and not putting guys on base."
In the presence of experienced and phenomenally powerful fellow pitchers in the Reds, his stint in the Majors has been a great experience.
"It helps a lot," Hoover said. "Now I have an actual relationship with some of the guys that are up here. I've felt like they accepted me as part of the team. I'm by no means established. We still have a long ways for that, but it's a little more comfortable atmosphere the second time."
All eyes will be set on him once he will take to the mound in the coming games as the Reds are all set to make it to the playoffs.
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