Padres Homegrown Pitcher Designated for Assignment By NL Team

Ricardo Sandoval | May 30, 2024

Aug 8, 2018; Milwaukee, WI, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Brett Kennedy (60) walks off the mound after giving up 5 runs in the first inning in his first major league game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Pitcher Brett Kennedy, a former San Diego Padres prospect, has been designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds.

The Reds made the announcement via Twitter/X on Tuesday.:

The #Reds today activated from the 60-day injured list LHP Alex Young and designated for assignment RHP Brett Kennedy. pic.twitter.com/8RUhUZlPaZ

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 28, 2024

The Friars drafted Kennedy in the 11th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He got his first shot in the big leagues three years later, at age 23. The left-hander recorded a 1-2 record with a 6.75 ERA (58 ERA+), and a 6.31 FIP in 26.2 innings and six starts. The Padres released him in Sept. 2021.

The transaction was used to free up a spot on the Reds' 26- and 40-man rosters for the return of southpaw pitcher Alex Young. Kennedy was only on the active roster in Cincinnati for less than a week; however, he has been in the Reds' organization since May 2023.

In 2023, Kennedy logged a 4.81 ERA, 72 strikeouts, and a 1.50 WHIP in 78.2 innings and 17 appearances with 16 starts at Triple-A Louisville.

Kennedy re-signed with the Reds on a minor league deal in the offseason. However, his numbers in 2024 were atrocious. He recorded a 1-5 record with a 6.86 ERA and allowed a .277 average in 40.2 innings and eight starts.

The New Jersey native will now search for a new home.