The Cincinnati Reds are indeed getting a boost with the return of key players from the injured list. Here’s what’s happening ¹ ²:
– *Activated Players:*
– *Alexis Díaz*: Right-hander returning from a 15-day IL due to a left hamstring strain. Díaz, projected to be the team’s closer, has been rehabbing and made a pair of appearances in Triple-A Louisville last week. However, Emilio Pagán has been performing well as the closer, converting all four save opportunities with a 1.23 ERA.
– *Matt McLain*: Infielder returning from a 10-day IL due to a left hamstring strain. McLain will play second base and bat second. He had a strong start to the season before getting injured, hitting home runs in three of his first four games.
– *Austin Hays*: Outfielder returning from a 10-day IL due to a left calf strain. Hays will be the designated hitter and bat fifth. He signed a one-year deal with the Reds during the offseason after playing for Baltimore and Philadelphia last season.
– *Optioned Players:*
– *Jacob Hurtubise*: Outfielder optioned to Triple-A Louisville
– *Noelvi Marte*: Infielder optioned to Triple-A Louisville
The Reds are currently on a 5-1 hot streak after sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend. They’ll face the Seattle Mariners in a three-game series at home.
Matt McLain Injury Sees Return, Along with Austin Hays and Alexis Díaz
Austin Hays is finally set to make his season debut with the Cincinnati Reds after being activated from the injured list. He’ll likely start as the designated hitter and bat fifth. The 29-year-old signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Reds in the offseason and is expected to get most starts in left field. During his rehab assignment, Hays went 1-for-5 with a home run and two RBI, homering Saturday against Triple-A Indianapolis.
Matt McLain, who missed last season with a shoulder injury, has also returned to the active roster after being sidelined with a hamstring strain. He’s batting second and playing second base. McLain has a slash line of .214/.290/.571 with three home runs and five RBI in eight games this season.
Right-hander Alexis Díaz, projected to be the team’s closer, has also been activated from the injured list. However, his role in the bullpen is unclear due to Emilio Pagán’s strong performance in his absence. Pagán has converted all four save opportunities and boasts a 1.32 ERA. Díaz will likely take over Pagán’s role, but that remains to be seen ¹.
Other Reds injury updates:
– *Tyler Stephenson*: Catcher with a left oblique strain, expected to return late April or early May. He’s begun catching in the bullpen, throwing to bases, and is slated to work out with Triple-A Louisville this weekend.
– *Sam Moll*: Left-hander with left shoulder impingement, placed on the 15-day injured list.
– *Rhett Lowder*: Right-hander with right elbow discomfort, expected to return in May.
– *Edwin Arroyo*: Top prospect recovering from a shoulder injury, back in the Chattanooga Lookouts’ starting lineup.
– *Wade Miley*: Left-hander nearing rehab assignment after pitching three innings in Arizona.
– *Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar*: Both out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery ² ³.
