Jul 25, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zack Littell (52) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

As it turns out, that was his final start as a member of the Rays. Ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, the Cincinnati Reds sent minor league pitchers Adam Serwinowski and Brian Van Belle to Tampa to acquire Littel, who’ll reach free agency at season’s end.

The Cincinnati Reds made a move to strengthen their starting rotation by acquiring pitcher Zack Littell from the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team trade that also included the Los Angeles Dodgers.