CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds have made a roster shakeup ahead of their weekend series against the Tampa Bay Rays, calling up hard-throwing right-handed reliever Luis Mey from Triple-A Louisville. The move comes as veteran reliever Scott Barlow is placed on the paternity list.
This marks Mey’s third stint with the big-league club in 2025, and the Reds are hoping this one sticks. The 23-year-old was with the team throughout May and impressed early on. Over his first 10 innings, he gave up just four hits and two earned runs while striking out 13 batters and walking five. However, he stumbled during the final week of the month, surrendering two home runs and four runs total in a three-inning stretch that saw his command falter. He was subsequently optioned back to Triple-A.
Mey briefly returned to the Reds on June 19 for a spot appearance against the Minnesota Twins, where he again showed signs of command issues, walking three and allowing a run in 1.1 innings of work.
Back in Louisville, however, Mey has quietly put together a strong stretch. Since the start of June through his most recent outing on Wednesday, the Dominican-born reliever has posted a 2.20 ERA over 16.1 innings, allowing just nine hits and no home runs. He’s struck out 18 batters and walked eight during that span, facing 64 hitters and holding them to a .158 batting average.
Despite the promising numbers, consistency remains Mey’s biggest hurdle. While his velocity and swing-and-miss stuff are major league caliber, his control continues to be a work in progress. In one recent outing, he issued three walks while recording just one out—a reminder of the volatility that comes with his profile.
Still, the Reds see upside. With Barlow temporarily out and Cincinnati in the thick of a playoff race, the club is giving Mey another chance to prove he can be a reliable arm out of the bullpen. If he can harness his electric stuff and limit free passes, Mey has the tools to make an impact—and perhaps stick around beyond this latest call-up.
The Reds open their three-game set against Tampa Bay tonight at Great American Ball Park, and all eyes will be on whether Mey gets the call out of the ‘pen in a high-leverage spot.
