The Reds designated righty Pedro Villarreal for assignment, then outrighted him to Triple-A after he cleared waivers, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports on Twitter. Billy Hamilton takes the 40-man roster spot vacated by Villareal.
The 25-year-old Villarreal has seen limited big league action in 2012 and 2013. He has tossed just 6 2/3 big league innings in three appearances, including one start, over which he gave up thirteen hits and eight earned runs. Villarreal has primarily pitched as a starter in the minors, where he has been remarkably consistent. As he moved from High-A to Triple-A over the last four seasons, Villarreal's annual ERA has stayed within the narrow range of 4.36 and 4.43.
