Cincinnati Reds Place Former 1st-Round Pick Starting Pitcher On Waivers

The Cincinnati Reds have made the decision to designate starting pitcher Luke Weaver for assignment following a challenging 2023 season.

Weaver's struggles were reflected in his high ERA of 6.87 over 97 innings pitched.

Despite signing a one-year contract with the Reds as a free agent, he faced difficulties upon returning from injury and managed to make it past the fifth inning in just 9 out of 21 starts.

The #Reds announce that Luke Weaver has been designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/EgU8LYtyIB

— Cincinnati 💔 (@CincyProblems) August 16, 2023

His performance included a career-worst 19% strikeout rate, indicating a lack of effectiveness on the mound.

Weaver's struggles ultimately led to his removal from the roster, as his underlying statistics suggested potential continued challenges.

With more than five years of MLB service time, he retains the option to reject a minor league assignment if he clears outright waivers, which would allow him to explore opportunities as a free agent.

The #Reds today recalled RHP Alan Busenitz from Triple-A Louisville and designated RHP Luke Weaver for assignment.

Additionally, RHP Justin Dunn (right shoulder strain) was sent to the Arizona Complex League Reds on a rehab assignment. pic.twitter.com/nYa6O50wI7

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 16, 2023

Meanwhile, Hunter Greene is poised to rejoin the Reds' pitching rotation after recovering from a hip issue, potentially taking Weaver's vacated spot and offering a fresh perspective to the team's rotation dynamics.

Over his eight-year career, Weaver holds a 5.16 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, with 547 strikeouts across 547.2 innings and 136 appearances.

He's a former first-round pick (27th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2014 MLB Draft. Photo Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports