MILWAUKEE -- In an attempt to bolster their struggling bullpen, the Reds claimed right-handed pitcher Juan Padilla off waivers from the Yankees on Friday.
 

Padilla is expected to join the Reds tomorrow in Milwaukee. He'll take the roster spot vacated by infielder Tim Hummel, who hit .218 in 56 games for the Reds this season before being claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

"Tim did a nice job for us," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "But the chance to get Juan Padilla was one we definitely needed to take. We need to improve our pitching, especially in the bullpen."

The numbers back him up.

Cincinnati's bullpen entered Friday's series opener with a league-worst 5.20 ERA and has blown 16 of its last 28 save opportunities.

"We had a chance to get a quality arm in an area where we definitely need improvement," Miley said. "He'll be here tomorrow, and he's going to get an opportunity,"

The 27-year-old hurler was originally taken by the Twins in the 24th round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft. He spent six seasons in Minnesota's minor league system before being sent to New York as the player to be named later in the deal that sent Jesse Orosco to the Twins.

Padilla made his Major League debut for the Yankees this season on July 16, throwing 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief against the Tigers. During two stints with the Yankees this season, Padilla posted a 3.97 ERA in six appearances.

"The reports from the scouts say he's a strike-thrower and he's got three good pitches," Miley said. "He's aggressive and he's a ground ball pitcher. He's got some pretty good minor league numbers."

This season, the right-hander was promoted from Double-A after making three appearances. He went 2-1 with a 2.01 ERA and three saves in 45 relief appearances for the Yankees' Triple-A Columbus affiliate, while holding International League hitters to a .223 batting average.

In 332 total games at the minor league level, Padilla has an overall 3.10 ERA and 89 saves. More important to the Reds, he has 400 strikeouts against 120 walks.

Miley didn't remember seeing his new right-hander before, but had at least heard good things last season before being named the Reds skipper.

"I remember the talk around the league," Miley said. "A lot of people were saying pretty good things about him."