Reds demote struggling ex-closer Alexis Diaz, call up Luis Mey - ESPN

The Cincinnati Reds optioned reliever Alexis Diaz to Louisville on Friday and called up fellow right-hander Luis Mey from the Triple-A club.

Diaz has struggled mightily since his return from the injured list, posting a 12.00 ERA without a decision in six appearances for Cincinnati this season.

With his team trailing by one run Wednesday, Diaz entered the first game of a doubleheader with the St. Louis Cardinals and allowed three home runs in the ninth inning, leading to a 6-0 setback. He permitted five runs on four hits and a walk in one inning.

Diaz, 28, in 18-14 with 75 saves and a 3.21 ERA in 196 career relief appearances with Cincinnati

Credited with a pitch that traveled over 103 mph earlier this season, Mey, 23, has a 1-1 record with a 4.00 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 10 games at Louisville in 2025.

Mey is ranked as the No. 20 prospect in the Reds' rich farm system by MLB Pipeline.