[1] He had a 5–2 record, a 4.05 ERA, 73+1⁄3 innings pitched, and 86 strikeouts in 15 games (12 starts); and he was promoted to the Chattanooga Lookouts of the double-A Southern League on June 22.

[3] On August 18, he was promoted to the Louisville Bats of the triple-A International League to replace Elizardo Ramírez, who was called up to the Reds.

[3] In the minor leagues that year, he had 11 wins (tied for fourth in the Reds' system), 3 losses, a 3.70 ERA (ninth), 119+1⁄3 innings pitched, and 137 strikeouts (second) in 36 games (14 starts).

[3] On August 30, he was called up to the Reds make a start that day in place of the injured Johnny Cueto.

[9][10] On September 4, he threw three perfect innings in relief of an injured Josh Fogg in an 8–6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

[12] He got his first career decision (a win) on September 19 when he gave up two runs and struck out five batters in six innings as the Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers, 11–2.

[3] Ramírez was expected to compete for a spot in the Reds' starting rotation in 2009; however, because he missed much of spring training at the World Baseball Classic, he began the year with Louisville.

[16] After appearing in one game, he was optioned back to Louisville on May 22 to make room for Carlos Fisher on the roster.

[24] On March 10, he gave up one run in three innings of relief as Venezuela defeated Italy 10–1 to advance to the second round of the Classic.

[26] In his final game of the Classic (on March 18), Ramírez gave up two runs in 1+2⁄3 innings, but Venezuela defeated the United States 10–6 to advance to the semifinals.

Rays' general manager Andrew Friedman described the fastball as "average", the slider as "pretty good", and the changeup as "above-average.