Gibaut has been a workhorse this season for Cincinnati, recording a serviceable 5.40 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 11/4 K/BB ratio across 11 2/3 innings (12 appearances) after making a career-high 74 appearances last year for the Reds. No word yet on how long he’ll be sidelined, but shoulder issues tend to lead to extended absences.

It was surprising to see Gibaut up for the ninth, but the Reds ran through their better arms early; Scott Barlow, Emilio Pagán and Tony Santillan each pitched perfect innings that included two strikeouts. Gibaut, who was non-tendered by the Reds over the winter before being re-signed to a minor league deal, went on to give up three hits, including a three-run homer to Wilmer Flores. There wouldn’t have been much reason to pick up Gibaut in fantasy leagues had he succeeded today, and there certainly isn’t any now. Santillan is probably the current favorite for saves, with Barlow, who is throwing particularly well, maybe next in line.

Gibaut was a high-leverage reliever for the Reds in 2023, posting a 3.33 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, three saves, and 69/28 K/BB ratio in 75 2/3 innings. He battled injuries in 2024 and was only able to pitch two MLB innings, so the Reds will now add him to the leverage ladder at the end of games.

Gibaut returns to Cincinnati as extra organizational relief depth heading into spring training after being non-tendered earlier this offseason. The 31-year-old righty made just two relief appearances last year for the Reds on the heels of a career-high 74 the prior season.