Tomlin was traded to the Texas Rangers after the 1978 season for Gaylord Perry. He returned to the Reds in March 1978 when the Reds purchased his contract from the Rangers. He had helped the Reds win the 1973 and again helped the 1979 win the NL West Division championships. He appeared in four National League Championship series games, one in 1973 and three in 1979, and allowed eight hits and three earned runs in 4 innings pitched.