Who's Darius Vines? Reds give Mexican League pitcher minor-league deal

Cincinnati Reds have signed Mexican League pitcher Darius Vines to a minor-league deal. The 28-year-old right-handed pitcher was traded from the Tigres de Quintana Roo to Acereros del Norte of the Mexican League on August 4. Vines was released by the Acereros del Norte on August 18. Before his Mexican League stint, Vines played for the Atlanta Braves in two MLB seasons, posting a 5.82 ERA in nine appearances.

Vines, who was drafted in the seventh round by the Braves in 2019, began his MLB career with the team after being picked up by the independent Tigres de Quintana Roo in March 2024, following the Braves' release. Among his teammates was Reds first-round pick Phil Ervin. Vines' minor-league career includes a strong 3.32 ERA over 15 starts for the Tigres de Quintana Roo.

Vines is a three-sport star from his high school days in Ventura, California, where he excelled in baseball, football, and basketball. He starred at California State University, Bakersfield, and was also drafted by the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs. Vines made a memorable MLB debut in August 2023, becoming the first visiting pitcher to pitch at Coors Field without giving up more than two runs.