The Cincinnati Reds have acquired right-handed pitcher Frank German from the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox designated him for assignment last week and the Reds claimed him and have optioned him to Triple-A Louisville. After Cincinnati designated Matt Reynolds for assignment last week they had an open spot on the 40-man roster, so they do not need to create a roster spot for German.
A former starter, Frank German switched to relieving in 2022 after struggling in 2021 when he was acquired by the Red Sox from the New York Yankees. The switch to a relief role went well as German posted a 2.72 ERA between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. In his 49.2 innings he allowed just 26 hits, walked 19 batters, and he picked up 64 strikeouts. German would also reach the big leagues with Boston, pitching in five games. Things didn’t go well as he allowed eight runs in 4.0 innings on seven hits and four walks.
Just before the start of spring training this year he was traded from Boston to Chicago for a minor leaguer. The White Sox have had German pitching in Triple-A this season and he’s struggled. In his nine outings he’s posted a 7.15 ERA and allowed 19 hits in 11.1 innings – including four home runs (after allowing just two all of last season in 49.2 minor league innings), walked nine batters, and he’s struck out 16.
Quick Scouting Report on Frank German
German throws a 4-seam fastball, a slider, a split-fingered fastball, and a curveball. The fastball has some velocity to it – he averaged 98 MPH with it last year in his limited big league time, but it’s down to 97.0 MPH so far this season in Triple-A. The slider and split-fingered fastball both work in the mid-to-upper 80’s, while his curveball works in the low 80’s. Historically he hasn’t struggled to throw strikes, but that has been a big issue for him this season with Charlotte in Triple-A.
