The Cincinnati Reds made three significant roster decisions on Tuesday afternoon as the club continues to reshape its active lineup for the weeks ahead.
Headlining the moves, the Reds officially promoted a top right-handed pitching prospect, finalizing a decision that had been widely anticipated since the weekend. With a vacancy already available on the 40-man roster, no procedural move was needed at that level. However, to clear room on the 26-man active roster, Cincinnati optioned right-handed reliever Yosver Zulueta back to Triple-A Louisville.
In addition to the pitching change, the Reds also sent outfielder Austin Hays to Double-A Chattanooga to begin a rehab assignment with the Lookouts. Hays has not played since May 28, when he fouled a ball off his foot in a game against the Kansas City Royals and exited in the eighth inning. He was later placed on the 10-day injured list — his third IL stint of the season.
Despite frequent injuries, Hays has been one of the team’s most dangerous bats when healthy. In just 31 games, he’s hit .303/.346/.555 with 15 extra-base hits, 23 runs scored, and 25 RBIs. Still, his absence has been felt, with the outfielder missing 48 games so far this year.
The Reds are hopeful that Hays’ rehab assignment will progress quickly, allowing him to return to the major league roster in the near future. The moves underscore the team’s ongoing effort to stay competitive while carefully managing the health and development of its roster.
