Cincinnati Reds option J. J. Hoover with Bill Bray activated - MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, June 22, activated the reliever Bill Bray after two-months’ stint in the disabled list. But, as the team manager Dusty Baker put it, the decision was very tough considering the performance of J. J. Hoover
whose departure will now create room for Bray.
J. J. Hoover came across as an incredibly talented rookie once he was brought after the injury of Bill Bray. The young player had 3.00 ERA in the 17 appearances that he made for the Cincinnati Reds. With 19 strikeouts to his credit
in 18 innings, he merely allowed eight walks.
The player made his debut at a very difficult time given the experience of Bill Bray. However, he sustained the pressure well, and performed too well. Nonetheless, it is experience that goes to Bill Bray’s advantage here.
On Thursday, while Bray was announced to be activated for making his appearance against the Minnesota Twins, the team manager admitted to be faced with a tough decision as far as optioning Hoover to Triple-A Louisville.
Like said earlier, he proved his instrumentality quicker than was expected by the team at that stage.
"It was a very tough decision because J.J. did a good job for us," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "He got ready a lot quicker than we anticipated he'd be ready. We thought it would be sometime in the middle of the season, but he got
pressed into action because of injuries and he performed well.”
All said and done, nonetheless, it is good and reassuring for the Cincinnati Reds to have their experienced reliever back in the team. Bill Bray’s arrival means the team will now have two lefty setup men.
This comes as favourable development for the Reds to become ever stronger. "There were times you wished you had more than one because you could have two left-handed situations instead of picking a primetime one," Baker said. "We're
glad to have Billy back. Slowly, but surely, we're getting back to where our regular plan was."
With Bray there, the Reds will now be an ever more strong side to compete in the league.
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