JOE KAY
AP Sports Writer

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Reds revamped their struggling bullpen before the start of a series against Atlanta on Thursday, sending right-handers J.J. Hoover and Carlos Contreras to Triple-A Louisville.

Cincinnati called up right-handed reliever Pedro Villarreal and left-hander David Holmberg from Louisville to start the opening game of the series. Holmberg started the second game of a doubleheader on July 8, getting no decision in a 6-5 win over the Cubs.

The bullpen has fallen apart since the All-Star break, going 0-10 with a 4.69 ERA. Hoover was 1-10 with a 5.27 ERA. He hit a batter with the bases loaded in the ninth inning of a 5-4 loss in St. Louis on Tuesday. Contreras was 0-1 with a 6.11 ERA.

Villarreal has spent the entire season at Louisville.

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