Brad Brach bypasses Olympic qualifier to join Cincinnati Reds bullpen

When the Cincinnati Reds called up right-hander Brad Brach from the minor leagues Friday, they knew they had about a week before Brach turned to his backup plan.

Brach was hoping that he would receive another opportunity in the big leagues this month, but he kept his options open. The 35-year-old relief pitcher was on the Team USA provisional roster for an Olympic qualifier, which starts next week.

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“If I didn’t have a chance at the Major Leagues, what better opportunity than to represent your country, even if it was an Olympic qualifier,” Brach said. “My first and foremost thing was to help a team in the big…