The Cincinnati Reds re-signed right-hander Tony Santillan to a minor-league deal on Thursday that includes an invitation to major-league camp in spring training next year. Because of injuries, Santillan has appeared in only 24 games for the Reds in the last two seasons. He tossed just 3 1/3 innings in 2023 and gave up an earned run while walking five and striking out one. The 26-year-old should be a much bigger contributor for Cincinnati's bullpen in 2024 if he can remain healthy for the first time since his rookie campaign. In his three seasons in the majors, Santillan has a 3.66 ERA (4.59 FIP), 1.49 WHIP, 38 walks and 78 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings over 50 appearances (four starts). He will not be on the fantasy radar to open the 2024 season.

The Cincinnati Reds have designated right-hander Tony Santillan for assignment on Tuesday, as the club needed space on the 40-man roster for the newly promoted Alejo Lopez. The 26-year-old has only pitched 3 1/3 innings this season as he dealt with a back and hamstring issue that sidelined him until July. Santillan owns a career 3.66 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 25.7% strikeout rate across three seasons, all with the Reds. If he latches on with another club, he likely won't be a factor late in ball games, so fantasy managers can ignore him in all leagues.

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Tony Santillan had a rough outing in Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He entered in the ninth inning while the team was winning 4-1 and he wound up giving up two hits, two walks and four runs (two earned) while recording just one out. He has now blown two consecutive save opportunities and is 4-for-7 overall on the year on save chances. No other Reds relievers seem to be breathing down his neck for the ninth inning role at this point, so we could see Santillan remain the favorite for saves despite his recent struggles. He should remain rostered in most leagues where saves are particularly scarce.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan allowed one run on three hits while striking out two in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Boston Red Sox. He entered the game in the ninth inning to protect a two-run lead. The 25-year-old retired the first two batters he faced before surrendering three hits and a run before striking out Trevor Story to end the game. He was shaky in Tuesday's appearance but managed to earn his fourth save of the year. Santillan is the Reds' primary closer and has recorded saves in his last two appearances. The right-hander owns a 4.67 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts over 17 1/3 innings. Fantasy managers searching for saves can add Santillan in all league formats.

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Tony Santillan closed out the team's 4-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday to earn his second save of the year. He pitched the final 1 2/3 innings of the game, retiring each of the five batters he faced while recording one strikeout. With Lucas Sims (back) on the injured list, the closer role is wide open for the Reds right now. Alexis Diaz earned the save on Tuesday, but he was utilized at the start of the eighth inning in Thursday's game. He struggled on Thursday as he allowed two walks, a hit and a run while recording just one out before Santillan came in. The 11-26 Reds don't figure to have many save opportunities come up in the near future, but if you're absolutely desperate for saves, Santillan now leads the team with his two saves and is as good of a bet as anyone to earn the team's next save opportunity.

Cincinnati Reds reliever Tony Santillan got the surprise call in the ninth inning on Thursday to close out the club's 6-3 win over the Braves. The right-hander tossed a perfect 15-pitch frame to earn his first career save as he recorded a groundout and a pair of strikeouts to end the contest. The Reds closing situation was a carousel a season ago, and early indications are leading us to believe we may see more of the same murkiness in 2022. Santillan entered the year with just 43 1/3 IP of major-league experience to his resume, but he may be worth taking a shot at in deeper formats for managers who are looking for saves off the waiver wire.

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Tony Santillan was informed by manager David Bell on Tuesday that he will be starting the season in the bullpen. Santillan will likely be one of the team's go-to relievers in high-leverage situations, so he could have some appeal in deeper leagues that reward points for saves. The former second-round pick in 2015 has mostly served as a full-time starter since joining the team. With Luis Castillo (shoulder) and Mike Minor (shoulder) to begin the year on the injured list, it's looking like the Reds may allow prospects Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo begin the year in the starting rotation alongside Tyler Mahle, Vladimir Gutierrez and Reiver Sanmartin. Santillan could see some save chances with ... [More]