The Cincinnati Reds' starting rotation has hit a critical point, and it's forced them to look outside the organization for help. On Saturday, the Reds will turn to right-hander Chris Paddack, a journeyman who was recently released by the Miami Marlins after a brutal start to the season.

Paddack's numbers in Miami were tough to ignore—he went 0-5 with a 7.63 ERA before being let go. But the Reds are hoping a change of scenery can spark a turnaround. "He had a tough time in Florida," manager Terry Francona said. "Sometimes the hope is—well, one, we need a pitcher. And then the hope is he catches fire and gives us some help. Because we’ve all seen that happen."

It's been a rough stretch for Cincinnati's once-deep rotation. When spring training opened, the Reds boasted at least seven pitchers with impressive big-league track records. Now, that depth has been whittled down to just four reliable arms—and that's counting with fingers crossed.

Ace Hunter Greene is sidelined with an elbow injury and won't return until at least the All-Star break. Brandon Williamson, who has missed significant time over the past two seasons due to shoulder and elbow issues, was placed on the 60-day injured list alongside Greene after experiencing "shoulder fatigue." Rhett Lowder, who missed all of last season with two separate injuries, left his last start with shoulder discomfort and was moved to the IL to make room for Paddack.

Even prospect Chase Petty, who impressed in a spot start last week, couldn't take the ball in Cleveland due to a blister that developed in his last minor-league outing. And while Brady Singer says his bruised foot—suffered when a comebacker drilled him Tuesday—is improving and he expects to start Sunday as scheduled, Francona remains cautiously optimistic, noting the team will monitor his progress closely.

All of this comes as Nick Lodolo makes just his second start of the season Wednesday after a lengthy IL stint caused by his own blister issue. For the Reds, the hope is that Paddack can provide some stability—and maybe even catch fire—during a season that's testing their pitching depth like never before.