Reds Send Fan Favorite Tejay Antone to Minor League Camp

The right-hander has battled back from three Tommy John surgeries but struggled in spring training.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:55pm

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The Cincinnati Reds announced on Sunday that they have reassigned relief pitcher Tejay Antone to minor league camp. Antone, a fan favorite, has been one of the best stories in baseball after coming back from three separate Tommy John surgeries. However, he struggled in spring training, giving up five runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings with four walks and seven strikeouts.

Why it matters

Antone has been dominant when healthy, posting a 2.47 ERA over 61 games with the Reds. His resilience in returning from multiple major arm surgeries has made him a beloved figure among the team's fanbase. While he won't make the Opening Day roster, the Reds hope he can continue to develop in the minors and potentially contribute at the big league level later this season.

The details

The 32-year-old Antone started out strong in spring training but struggled in his last couple of outings. He was a longshot to make the Opening Day roster because he wasn't on the 40-man roster. The Reds are hopeful that if Antone pitches well in Louisville, he could be called up to the majors at some point this year.

  • The Reds announced the roster move on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • Antone has given up five runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings this spring, with four walks and seven strikeouts.

The players

Tejay Antone

A 32-year-old relief pitcher who has been one of the best stories in baseball after coming back from three separate Tommy John surgeries.

Jose Trevino

The Reds' catcher who praised Antone's resilience in coming back from multiple major arm injuries.

Blake Dunn

A Reds outfielder who believes Antone has a career in the big leagues despite his injury history.

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What they’re saying

“That's a big deal coming back from multiple injuries and having the want to do that. That's resilience.”

— Jose Trevino, Reds catcher (Cincinnati Reds Talk)

“He has a career in the big leagues. Coming back from three Tommy Johns, you very rarely see guys come back from two let alone three. He's out there competing, doing very well, throwing a lot of strikes, getting outs and I've seen 95 (mph on the radar gun). That's a testament to his work ethic and the ability he does have.”

— Blake Dunn, Reds outfielder (Cincinnati Reds Talk)

What’s next

If Antone goes down to Louisville and pitches well, it's likely we will see him in Cincinnati at some point this year.

The takeaway

Tejay Antone's resilience and determination to come back from three Tommy John surgeries has made him a fan favorite in Cincinnati, and the Reds are hopeful he can continue to develop in the minors and contribute at the big league level later this season.