Tuesday, June 23

CINCINNATI -- Reds starting pitching prospect Chase Petty has learned from each of his big league call-ups going back to his 2025 debut, including some hard lessons from taking some lumps. But Petty's latest promotion has perhaps been the most valuable.

When the Reds were short on available relievers -- and ones who could get outs -- they turned to Petty when he was recalled June 10 and used him out of the bullpen exclusively for the first time in his pro career. In four appearances, totaling 5 2/3 innings, he has a 1.59 ERA and has boosted a bullpen that's endured struggles going back to early May.

“Honestly, I’ve been trying to use as much as I can of it, getting me at-bats and experience against these Major League guys. I’m facing some of the best hitters in the game," said Petty, who is ranked as the organization's No. 7 prospect. "I’m just looking forward to the experience that’ll [show] me how to attack these hitters and not shy away, and just making sure I’m attacking with my best stuff at all times.”

Petty was put into a tough situation on June 10 at San Diego, when he was called on for a high-leverage situation in the bottom of the ninth inning and surrendered a walk-off home run to Fernando Tatis Jr.

In the three appearances since, Petty hasn't allowed any runs. He picked up his first big league win on June 13 after 1 2/3 innings of work. Getting the victory from the bullpen wasn't exactly on his Bingo card.

“No. I was literally talking to my wife about it after and I was like, ‘I never thought that I would get my first one like that, that’s for sure.’ But I’ll take it how you can get it and just be grateful for every moment. I’m excited about it, for sure," he said.

Two days later against the Mets, Petty finished a 12-0 win with 2 1/3 perfect innings. The 23-year-old right-hander also finished Saturday's 10-2 win over the Yankees with a clean ninth inning that had one hit allowed.

“I even told him [Saturday], ‘I don’t know where this is leading, but keep firing it over the plate.’ Because good things are going to happen. I don’t care what role he’s in," manager Terry Francona said.

Most relievers often use only two or three pitches to face hitters, but so far, Petty has used his full starter's repertoire. While he isn't racking up many strikeouts, he's getting outs via contact.

“I’ve been feeling pretty normal – using the sweeper, using the changeup, been using the short slider, both heaters," Petty said. "I feel like I’ve been using my repertoire, really, as I would as a starter but I feel like it’s been using my advantage. You have guys out of the ‘pen that usually are only throwing two, three pitches. When I can work up that 4-5 [pitches] it gives that advantage.”

Last season, Petty had a 19.50 ERA in three games (two starts) for the Reds. His two previous call-ups this season were for spot starts, and he had a 5.91 ERA in those games.

Petty has been enjoying the life of a reliever and sitting in the bullpen while learning from veterans like Sam Moll, Caleb Ferguson, Brock Burke and Tony Santillan -- among others.

"They’ve just taken me under their wing and treated me like one of the boys. It feels like a family out there," Petty said. “It was just so cool to experience such different aspects of the game. It’s just experience to my advantage for my whole career because you never know what the future may bring. So I’m just going to be ready for anything.”

Spencer Steer has been in a challenging hitting funk for over two weeks, but when the utility player does connect for a hit, he's making them count. Entering Tuesday, Steer is 4-for-53 since June 5, but those four hits? Three home runs and a double.

“It’s been a really frustrating stretch, just the inconsistencies," Steer said after he slugged a three-run homer in Saturday's win. "That is unacceptable on my part. At least I’m adding value today with that hit. There’s no excuse. I’ve got to be a lot better.”

Before the dip in production, Steer had hit safely in 30 of the previous 33 games dating back to April 28.

In the latest All-Star balloting update revealed on Monday, shortstop Elly De La Cruz was ranked third in voting among National League shortstops. De La Cruz, who was on the injured list since June 1 with a right hamstring strain before he was activated on Tuesday, had 879,876 votes and was behind leader CJ Abrams of the Nationals (1,192,774) and Mookie Betts of the Dodgers (1,161,221).

Fans are able to vote daily during Phase 1 of the balloting, which runs until 12 p.m. ET on Thursday. The top two players at each position and top six outfielders per league will advance to the finals to contend for a starting spot.

Phase 2 voting for the finalists is June 29-July 2, and full All-Star rosters will be revealed on July 4. Read our story on the balloting format.

• De La Cruz, who came off the injured list on Tuesday, faced Emilio Pagán in live BP on Monday. More >>

• Nearly one year after he faced the Yankees in his big league debut, Chase Burns showed his growth while facing them again for a win on Sunday. More >>

• Sal Stewart had six RBIs in Saturday's win at New York. More >>

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