Reds designate Emanuel for assignment following debut start
Kent Emanuel, who spent two seasons in independent league baseball before signing with Cincinnati, was removed from the roster between games of a doubleheader despite a strong outing.
The Cincinnati Reds have designated 34-year-old pitcher Kent Emanuel for assignment following his first Major League Baseball start. The decision was made on Monday, 17 August, between games of a doubleheader against the St Louis Cardinals, despite Emanuel delivering what manager Terry Francona described as a highly commendable performance.
Emanuel, who signed with the organisation on 6 August after two seasons pitching in independent league baseball, made his first career big-league start and first appearance since 2024. He surrendered two runs in the first inning but subsequently pitched four scoreless innings to complete a five-inning outing in a 2-1 loss. He threw 96 pitches during the contest.
Francona highlighted the difficult context of Emanuel’s debut, noting that the pitcher faced immediate adversity. "The way the game started – he hits the first guy in the foot, we got first and second before he could even breathe," Francona said. "Gives up the double. And then hung in there. I'm very proud of him. He gave us everything he had."
Due to a significant need for pitching resources on a doubleheader day, Emanuel became the odd man out on the roster. Reliever Zach Maxwell was called up from Triple-A Louisville to replace him for the second game of the doubleheader. This marks the latest in Emanuel’s 22 career big-league outings, with Monday’s start being arguably his most impressive.
At 34, Emanuel is the fifth-oldest pitcher to make his first big-league start for the Reds since 1900, and the oldest in 70 years. Historical records indicate that only four older pitchers have achieved this milestone for the franchise, including Pat Scantlebury, who made his debut at 38 years and 160 days in 1956.
If Emanuel clears waivers unclaimed, the Reds may retain him on the roster. The designation comes shortly after his signing, underscoring the fluid nature of roster construction even following strong individual performances.
