The Cincinnati Reds are making a quick move to address a growing crisis in their pitching rotation. With three starters hitting the injured list in the last two weeks alone, the team has signed veteran right-hander Chris Paddack to a one-year contract—and he's set to take the mound this Saturday in Cleveland.

Paddack, 29, comes to Cincinnati after a tough start to the season with the Miami Marlins. In seven appearances, he posted a 7.63 ERA before being released as the Marlins opted to go with younger arms. But the Reds are hoping a change of scenery can reignite the pitcher who has 116 career starts under his belt. Last year, despite a 5.35 ERA, Paddack made 28 starts and was reliable enough that the playoff-bound Detroit Tigers traded for him at the deadline. He signed a $4 million deal with Miami entering 2026, but things just didn't click in South Beach.

The Reds' injury bug has been relentless. Rhett Lowder tried to pitch through shoulder discomfort but reported a "clicking" sensation. Chase Petty exited his most recent Triple-A start with a blister issue. And Brandon Williamson will miss at least two months with a shoulder injury. Add in Hunter Greene's expected absence until July due to an elbow issue, and depth starter Julian Aguiar's month-long IL stint in Triple-A, and the rotation is stretched thin.

"There were some unknowns going into Saturday," said Reds manager Terry Francona. "With Petty having that blister, a lot of unknowns. It'd be hard to find out during the game that the blister wasn't ready. So the guys went and figured it out and got Paddack signed."

Internal options weren't exactly inspiring. The Reds were considering bullpen games every fifth day or calling up minor league journeyman Brandon Leibrandt, who pitched in China last season. Instead, they acted decisively, adding a veteran with a proven track record—even if his recent numbers don't jump off the page.

Francona is keeping expectations measured but optimistic. "He had a tough time in Florida. We needed a pitcher. The hope is that he catches fire and gives us some help. We've all seen that happen."

Paddack also brings a familiar face to the clubhouse. He played with reliever Emilio Pagán in San Diego, and the two were traded together from the Padres to the Twins in 2022—a deal that sent Taylor Rogers to San Diego, who later pitched for the Reds in 2025. That chemistry could help Paddack settle in quickly.

This move follows a pattern for the Reds, who have shown they're not afraid to act fast when injuries strike. In 2024, just before the season started, they quickly acquired Santiago Espinal amid a wave of injuries. In 2025, they brought in Connor Joe to fill a need at first base. Now, with the rotation in flux, Paddack is the latest veteran brought in to steady the ship.

Whether he can rediscover his form in a Reds uniform remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Cincinnati needed pitching immediately, and they didn't wait around to find it.