When the Cincinnati Reds traded Johnny Cueto to the Kansas City Royals it was a bittersweet moment. The best pitcher the organization has had since Jose Rijo, a homegrown player that some had followed since he arrived in Dayton, was being moved to another team. In return the Reds received three left handed pitchers. Two of them were sent to Triple-A Louisville. Cody Reed was sent to Double-A Pensacola.
The left handed Reed had a strong debut on July 31st with Pensacola. On the road against the Chattanooga Lookouts he allowed just one run over the course of seven innings with two walks and six strikeouts.
Last night he made his second start, also on the road, against the Jacksonville Suns. It was the best start he has had all season. The 22-year-old was dominant against the Suns as he tossed eight shutout innings with just four hits and he walked just two batters. Strikeouts? He had 12 of them and despite eight innings and 12 strikeouts, he needed just 92 pitches.
The overall results since arriving in the Reds organization have been off the charts. 15.0 innings, 13 base runners, 0.60 ERA, four walks and 18 strikeouts. It would be tough to imagine a better start with a new organization than the one that Reed has had. His next start will come at home, his first in Pensacola. The Blue Wahoos fans have to be looking forward to getting their first look at their new left hander who has pitched very well for them in his two road starts.