Inspiring Reds Pitcher Making a Strong Case for Promotion to MLB

Tejay Antone has overcome three Tommy John surgeries and is dominating at Triple-A, but faces a crowded Reds bullpen.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion, with sharp planes of navy, crimson, and gold colors, conceptually representing the resilience and skill of Tejay Antone's journey back to the mound.Tejay Antone's inspiring comeback story is reflected in a cubist-style illustration that captures the dynamic motion and energy of his pitching delivery.Louisville Today

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tejay Antone has one of the best comeback stories in baseball. After undergoing Tommy John surgery three times in his career, Antone has returned to the mound and is dominating at the Triple-A level this season, not allowing a hit or a run through 5 2/3 innings. However, the Reds' bullpen is already stacked, making it difficult for Antone to find a spot on the MLB roster.

Why it matters

Antone's remarkable resilience and performance in the minors despite his injury history is an inspiring story that resonates with baseball fans. While the Reds have a crowded bullpen, Antone's continued success could force the team's hand and lead to a well-deserved promotion to the big leagues.

The details

Antone, 29, has undergone Tommy John surgery in 2017, 2021, and 2024, but has returned each time and is now dominating at the Triple-A level. Through 5 2/3 innings, he has not allowed a hit or a run, striking out 8 batters while walking 2. His stuff remains impressive, with an average fastball velocity of nearly 95 mph and generating soft contact, with an average exit velocity under 75 mph.

  • Antone underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017, 2021, and 2024.
  • Antone returned to the Reds camp this spring after his third career-threatening elbow surgery.
  • Antone has not made the Reds roster out of spring training, but has been dominant with the Triple-A Louisville Bats this season.

The players

Tejay Antone

A 29-year-old pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization who has overcome three career-threatening Tommy John surgeries and is now dominating at the Triple-A level.

Emilio Pagan

A relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has locked down a high-leverage role at the backend of games.

Tony Santillan

A relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has locked down a high-leverage role at the backend of games.

Graham Ashcraft

A relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has locked down a high-leverage role at the backend of games.

Sam Moll

A left-handed relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has been a dominant option out of the bullpen.

Brock Burke

A left-handed relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has been a dominant option out of the bullpen.

Caleb Ferguson

A left-handed relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who is currently injured but will be another option when healthy.

Connor Phillips

A relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has come along nicely this season.

Pierce Johnson

A relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has come along nicely this season.

Kyle Nicolas

The final man in the Cincinnati Reds bullpen, another big offseason addition for the team.

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What’s next

Injuries are bound to happen, but they can't be accurately predicted. It seems like that's Antone's only way onto the Reds roster right now.

The takeaway

Tejay Antone's comeback story is a testament to his determination and skill, but the Reds' stacked bullpen makes it challenging for him to earn a spot on the MLB roster. However, his continued dominance at the Triple-A level could force the team's hand and lead to a well-deserved promotion in the near future.