Overview
- The Reds announced the moves on Monday, June 22, 2026, activating reliever Pierce Johnson, selecting Julian Garcia’s contract for his Major League debut, optioning Zach Maxwell to Triple-A Louisville, and designating Chris Paddack for assignment.
- Pierce Johnson was reinstated from the 15-day injured list after a rehab appearance with Triple-A Louisville; he had been sidelined since May 26 with right elbow inflammation and said he felt ready to return.
- Julian Garcia, a 31-year-old right-hander, earned the promotion after a strong Triple-A season (3.03 ERA in 21 games and a 0.73 June ERA with 17 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings) and will make his MLB debut out of the Reds’ bullpen.
- Zach Maxwell was optioned back to Louisville after control problems in his recent Major League stint, where he walked seven batters in 6 1/3 innings and posted an 8.53 ERA in seven appearances.
- Chris Paddack heads into DFA limbo after six appearances for Cincinnati (three starts) with a 6.04 ERA; the Miami Marlins remain responsible for most of his $4 million contract, any claiming club would pay only the prorated league-minimum portion, and he can reject an outright assignment which makes release or open-market availability likely.