Hoover (1-0) went the final two innings in Wednesday's extra-inning affair against the Pirates, striking out one and allowing just one hit to gain the win. He didn't get called upon 'til extras, but Hoover acquitted himself well nonetheless, which is promising for those hoping to get some holds out of him as the year goes on.

Hoover still has an outside shot to pitch in high-leverage situations for the Reds this season, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Hoover still has a live fastball and can miss bats, but gets in trouble when he falls behind in the count. He has already given up two homers this spring after giving up 13 last season.

Hoover was called back up by the Reds as part of their September roster expansion. It's been a miserable season for Hoover, who has lost 10 games in relief this year. With Jonathan Broxton in Milwaukee, Hoover might be forced into a more important role than the Reds would prefer.

The Reds optioned Hoover to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports. Hoover has struggled all season and pitched three of the last four days, so the Reds decided to send him to the minors for the first time since 2012. Expect Hoover to return to Cincinnati at some point in September.

Hoover lost a team record 10th game as a reliever Tuesday night, hitting the Cardinals' Jon Jay with the bases loaded. With Aroldis Chapman apparently unavailable, Hoover got the last out of the eighth inning and then stayed in to pitch the ninth in a 4-4 game, with Jonathan Broxton being held back for any potential save situation. He subsequently allowed back-to-back singles, walked a batter, then hit Jay to end the game. The nightmare season continues for Hoover.

Hoover was brought on Sunday to relieve Aroldis Chapman after Chapman walked four batters to start the ninth. Hoover retired two batters, but then gave up a game-ending homer to Drew Stubbs. That about sums up Hoover's season - he now has allowed 10 homers over 53.1 innings, and his record dropped to 1-9 with the homer.

J.J. Hoover allowed one run in his only inning of work against the Brewers on Thursday. Hoover recently became a candidate for saves as the Reds suffered injuries to relievers Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Broxton, and Sean Marshall. However, Hoover has had struggles all spring. Thursday's outing, in which he allowed two hits and walked two, leaves him with a 5.63 ERA and a 4/7 K/BB ratio in eight innings.

J.J. Hoover allowed three runs in an inning of work in the Reds' 8-3 loss to the Indians on Monday. Hoover was done in by a two-out, three-run home run by Jason Kipnis in the sixth inning. The right-hander is one of the Reds' options to close out games with Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Broxton, and Sean Marshall all on the shelf. Hoover, though, hasn't exactly looked sharp this spring.

Reds manager Bryan Price said Friday that he's unlikely to name a closer while Aroldis Chapman (head) is on the disabled list. Chapman is expected to miss at least the first month of the season and likely more. With Jonathan Broxton (forearm) and Sean Marshall (shoulder) also slated to open the season on the DL, Price listed JJ Hoover, Sam LeCure, Logan Ondrusek and Manny Parra as possible options for saves. Hoover seems likely to get the first chance.

J.J. Hoover tossed a perfect seventh inning against the Rangers on Thursday. With Aroldis Chapman on the disabled list, the Reds will go with a closer-by-committee which will include Hoover, Jonathan Broxton, and Sean Marshall. Hoover has a 1.80 ERA on the spring, but he also has only two strikeouts with five walks in five Cactus League innings.