Reds Pitcher DFA'd For 4th Time This Season

That old saying "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" has never been more apropos than it is with Cincinnati Reds pitcher Robert Dugger. 

After being designated for assignment three previous times this season—including once when he hadn't even gotten into a game—Dugger got the call up again by the Reds on Thursday, and tossed an impressive 3.2 shutout innings out of the bullpen to preserve a win. He likely figured he bought himself at least a little more time in the Show. And then came the news this morning. DFA'd again.

The #Reds today activated from the 15-day injured list RHP Alexis Díaz and designated for assignment RHP Robert Dugger. pic.twitter.com/QvZUlNNBOO

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 8, 2022

Alexis Diaz has simply been the best reliever on the Reds this season, and with his return from the IL, somebody had to go. It's just too bad Dugger had to take one for the team... yet again. His 4th DFA of the season. 

Some Reds fans weren't too pleased. 

Robert Dugger pitches 3.2 shutout innings with five with five strikeouts yesterday and the Reds DFA him today. Yet, guys like Hunter Strickland and Joel Kuhnel continue to stick around. What an absolute clown organization.

— Josh Campbell (@ColtsBucksnReds) July 8, 2022

“It's a game of adversity,” said Dugger. “You're going to have changes throughout the whole game. You never know when your name is gonna be called."

Back in Triple-A now, Dugger will be ready once again when his name is called by the Reds.

Photo Credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK