The Cincinnati Reds made several roster moves today. This afternoon prior to the game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Joey Votto was placed on the injured list – with no injury designation. That’s always an indication that a player was placed on the COVID injury list. A reminder that being placed there doesn’t necessarily mean the player has tested positive – players showing symptoms, even with a negative test, can be placed on this list.
Cincinnati activated catcher Tyler Stephenson from the injured list today. The catcher had been on the list for nearly two weeks after suffering a concussion during a collision at the plate on April 19th against the San Diego Padres.
The Reds also recalled infielder Alejo Lopez from Triple-A Louisville for the series and optioned catcher Mark Kolozsvary back to Triple-A Louisville.
Votto, who is in what is likely the worst stretch of his entire career, is hitting just .122/.278/.135 right now. Earlier today we had looked at what Dan Szymborski wrote about his start over at Fangraphs, and Votto’s response. We’re going to have to wait a little while longer to enjoy the show.
Getting Tyler Stephenson back could help the offense out a little bit. He was one of the few Reds hitters who was actually producing with the bat in the first two weeks of the season. Through his 11 games he was hitting .267/.378/.467 with two home runs, four walks, and just six strikeouts. Aramis Garcia and Mark Kolozsvary have hit .205 with two doubles and a home run as the other catching options with the team thus far in 2022.
Alejo Lopez returns, in what feels like a steady back-and-forth ride for the infielder between Triple-A and MLB. He’s hit .263/.333/.263 in 21 plate appearances for the Reds this season over seven games. He has walked once and he’s struck out just twice.
Doug, Wasn’t part of the new CBA that players could not only moved back and forth so many times in a year?
Yes, but the number of times didn’t begin until May.
Thank you. Was not aware of that restriction.
Real or face saving, giving Votto a few days off benefits everyone.
What is the injury?
From the article
“That’s always an indication that a player was placed on the COVID injury list.”
Yes. He was whiffed so often lately the resulting extra air flow in colder conditions has led to an illness. Get well Joey.
That’s one way to not have to say he is being benched for a few games.
Good to get Stephenson back. The amount of players the Reds keep having on the IL almost shocks you. The team is cursed by Phil Castellini.
The Dreaded Curse of Bob/Phil …
+500
Poor Lopez. His head must be swimming going back and forth. He’s saying, “Please let me stay this time. Home Runs aren’t everything. I can help.” 🙂
+100
Don’t like the send down of Mark K.
Team has a ton more flexibility with 3 catchers. Catch Stephenson and when he’s not he’s DH or 1b
Garcia should also play a lot on this crap team because we need his bat
Would have DFA Reynolds or Moran
The team has more flexibility. But he looks lost at the plate. I’d rather have Lopez than Kolszvary.
I haven’t posted alot, but I still read Lopez is not the answer I understand he is better than what we are rolling out but geesh people act like he is the 2nd coming…….Just like Aquino don’t see too much chatter about him anymore. If Lopez could be a Ryan Freel lite I would be happy a multi positional guy who off the bench could give you competitive at bats I would be happy.
Joey is on COVID lost. Maybe 5 days off can get him right.