The post-World Series realignment on the fringes of the Cincinnati Reds roster continues:
Two more players came off of the Reds’ 40-man roster on Friday. The A’s claimed right-handed reliever Josh Smith off waivers, while the Reds outrighted utility player Ivan De Jesus Jr. to Triple-A Louisville.
The 29-year-old Smith appeared in 41 games over the last two seasons, putting together a 5.46 ERA and a 77 ERA+. He always seemed like a good guy, and we wish him the best in Oakland.
DeJesus, I imagine, will have a good chance of making the Reds roster again next season, presuming he clears waivers. He’s been a fairly versatile bench player, if not particularly productive with the bat.
Cincinnati is now down to 33 players on the 40-man roster. That’s plenty of room to protect players for the upcoming Rule 5 draft…or to acquire Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Madison Bumgarner, Andrew Miller, and Jay Bruce.