GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- After reliever Tejay Antone was informed Saturday morning that he made the Reds Opening Day roster, the tears flowed.

Antone, who last opened a season in the big leagues in 2021, immediately phoned his wife, Kelsi, who knew more than anybody what it took for the right-hander to get healthy.

"I was crying earlier. It’s a journey," Antone said. "We’re a team. We do everything together. It really is a journey. I couldn't do this process by myself. She has been there for me 100 percent. That’s how relationships should work. I wish other people could feel that dependence I have for her. She has been great. I love her to death."

Antone saw a superb 2021 season (2.14 ERA) cut short in late August when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow for the second time. It required a second Tommy John surgery after his first one came in 2017 while in the Minor Leagues.

The 2022 season was missed as Antone rehabilitated from the surgery. Then 2023 brought a cascade of misfortune.

A flexor strain in Antone's right forearm happened just before Spring Training and he spent most of the season on the 60-day injured list. Finally back in the big leagues on Sept. 2, he pitched only five games (one start) with a 1.59 ERA before right elbow tendinitis ended his season early.

Earlier this spring, Antone was informed he had no guarantees of making the team. Manager David Bell told him he would have to battle for one of the bullpen spots.

"Honestly, in my eyes, I thought it was my spot to lose," Antone said. "That was probably pretty naive of me. I came into camp working on stuff, trying to establish the sinker and figuring out what counts I wanted to use it in. Then [Bell] told me that.

"I was like, 'OK, let me get going.' Not to say I wasn’t trying or anything, but it lit a little fire in my butt and let me know where I was among my peers. I appreciate him letting me know and being honest with me."

Antone, 30, posted a 4.66 ERA in nine spring games allowing 10 hits, four walks and 12 strikeouts over 9 2/3 innings. He pitched on back-to-back days Thursday and Friday and said he felt good.

"It’s been a tough road in a lot of ways," Bell said. "He’s had a lot of success along the way. His makeup and his character just continue to shine. He’s grown incredibly. He’s at a point where he just brings people along with him through his outlook and his attitude. Really happy for him. He deserves it."

Instead of throwing his sinker in the high 90's and touching 100 mph, two elbow surgeries now have Antone's range at 91-95 mph. He's no longer blowing hitters away with velocity and spin, but he's fine with that.

"I’m out there pitching now," Antone said. "I’m locating, making the ball move, changing speeds, changing hitter’s timing. I’m landing curveballs really well right now. The slider needs to get where it needs to go. It’ll get there. Once I get everything moving in the right direction, I'll be in a really good spot."