Reed signed with the Athletics in September 1957 and made his pro debut the following year. He spent most of the 1958 minor league season with the Albany Senators of the Class A Eastern League, winning ten games for a last-place team with a solid 3.14 earned run average. Recalled by the Athletics in September 1958, he was unscored upon in two relief appearances and was rewarded with his first big-league start on September 27 against the Chicago White Sox. Reed proceeded to throw a five-hit, complete game victory, winning 2–1 and gaining the decision over eventual Hall of Famer Early Wynn.\n', '

But Reed failed to stick with Kansas City in both 1959 and 1960, getting into only seven total games and going winless in three decisions. He did post winning campaigns at the Triple-A level, however, and at the close of spring training in 1961, the Dodgers acquired him for right-hander Ed Rakow. Reed then spent almost 3​1⁄2 seasons pitching for the Dodgers\' Triple-A affiliate, the Spokane Indians of the Pacific Coast League, winning 45 games—including 19 in 1963. The Dodgers recalled him in June 1964 and used him in 26 games, including seven starting assignments, through the rest of the season. He wore No. 39 during his Dodger tenure, the number made famous by (and eventually retired to honor) Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella.\n', '

Reed won a spot on the 1965 Dodgers\' roster and contributed to their National League pennant-winning season. He appeared in 38 games, five as a starter. He won a career-high seven contests (losing five), picked up a save and registered a creditable 3.12 earned run average. He then pitched in two games against the Minnesota Twins during the 1965 World Series; he hurled 1​1⁄3 scoreless innings in Game 1, but was treated roughly in Game 6 when he allowed a three-run home run to the opposing pitcher, Mudcat Grant. The Dodgers prevailed in seven games, earning Reed a World Series ring.\n', '

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