CINCINNATI — The first thing veteran right-hander Chris Paddack was told by his new manager, Terry Francona, was that he was getting the ball for the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday.

“To welcome me like that, it put a smile on my face, and I’m excited to build that relationship,” Paddack said Wednesday, the same day he signed with the team.

The Reds needed a pitcher with right-hander Rhett Lowder headed to the injured list with right shoulder discomfort and Chase Petty, who pitched well in his start in Chicago last week, dealing with blister issues in Triple A. That Paddack was available was a blessing for the Reds but also a bit telling. Paddack was 0-5 with a 7.63 ERA in six starts and one relief appearance for the Miami Marlins before he was designated for assignment.

“The hope is he catches fire and gives us help — we’ve all seen that happen,” Francona said.

Paddack’s addition wasn’t the only positive news from Wednesday. Brady Singer, who left Tuesday’s loss to the Washington Nationals in the fourth inning after getting hit in the foot in the second, said the swelling in his right foot had mostly subsided when he woke up Wednesday. He said he had no doubt he’d make his next start, something that was in doubt when the Reds left the ballpark Tuesday night.

Teammates checked on Brady Singer on Tuesday after he was struck with a batted ball. (Frank Bowen IV / The Enquirer)

Even before Singer’s early exit, the Reds hadn’t determined their starters for the first two games of the series in Cleveland. With Monday’s off day, lefty Andrew Abbott will stay on regular rest and pitch Friday’s game against the Guardians, and Paddack is scheduled to start Saturday.

“First thing I told him was, ‘I don’t mean to heap pressure on you, but it’s a f–king Ohio Cup game,’” Francona said, joking about the “rivalry” between the Ohio teams.

Paddack said he was ready and looking forward to pitching after a week’s break. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen Thursday.

In his eight-year career, Paddack has pitched for the San Diego Padres, the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers and the Marlins. He was teammates with injured Reds closer Emilio Pagán and Pierce Johnson with San Diego and was traded to the Twins along with Pagán.

“He’s a starting pitcher, he’s gone deep into games, he’s been through it all, he’s been in every situation,” Johnson said. “He’s someone you know you can rely on, and the moment’s not going to get bigger than him. He’s just going go out there and compete.”

Signed to a one-year deal by the Marlins this past offseason, the Reds will pay a prorated portion of the minimum salary on Paddack’s $4 million deal, with the Marlins paying him the rest. Paddack said he’s looking forward to getting with Reds catchers Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino. The Marlins call pitches from the bench, not from behind the plate. Paddack said he’s excited to return to the more conventional game planning with catchers.

“That was new for me. I was open-minded,” Paddack said. “I think there’s some good to that, but I’m going to have to change the role again and get back with the catchers and go over some scouting stuff. (I’m) just honestly excited for this opportunity, and we’ll go from there.”

While Paddack’s overall numbers aren’t great, he does throw strikes, which is a good place to start, especially for a Reds pitching staff that has walked 195 batters entering Wednesday’s game, the third most in baseball.

The Reds’ expected Opening Day starter, Hunter Greene, began the season on the IL and isn’t expected to return until July. Lefty Brandon Williamson was put on the IL earlier this month and was joined by Lowder on Wednesday.

To make room for Paddack on the 40-man roster, the Reds designated catcher P.J. Higgins for assignment. The Reds run the risk of another team claiming Higgins, but they needed the roster spot.

“For his sake, I hope they do. For our sake, I hope they don’t,” Francona said about the possibility of another team claiming Higgins. “That’s just being honest. He’s a great kid. I hope we keep him, but for his sake, I hope somebody else does (claim him).”