Reds prolong roster move, Carson Spiers and option reliever but eventually activate

David Bell announced that Elly De La Cruz would not be in the lineup against the Chicago Cubs but the Cincinnati Reds waited until just before the game to reveal the corresponding roster move to activate Carson Spiers from the injured list.

Earlier on Monday, the Reds made several significant moves. They acquired former All-Star first baseman Ty France from the Seattle Mariners. Cincinnati is optimistic that France will return to his 2022 form and help mitigate the losses of Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Nick Martini.

However, the Reds also had injury news to share. Catcher Austin Wynns, who had been filling in for Luke Maile recently, was placed on the 10-day injured list with a torn teres major muscle. In response, the Reds promoted Eric Yang to the major league roster and transferred Graham Ashcraft from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day list.

Interestingly, the Reds delayed the announcement of Spiers’ return to the roster. As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst might ask, “Now why is that?” It turned out that the decision was unrelated to the MLB trade deadline, as right-hander Yosver Zulueta was optioned to Triple-A Louisville.

Spiers had been sidelined since July 13th due to a right shoulder impingement, but the plan was always to reintegrate him into the rotation shortly after the All-Star break. The postponement of last week’s game against the Atlanta Braves allowed the Reds to avoid calling up a spot starter or overusing their relievers in Spiers’ absence.

The rookie has been a bright spot for the Reds this season. After a brief stint in 2023, Spiers boasts a 3-2 record with a 3.83 ERA in 10 appearances this season, including five starts. Since allowing four earned runs in a June 17th start at PNC Park, Spiers has pitched 21.2 innings over his last four outings, striking out 21 batters. His last start before landing on the injured list saw him go five innings and strike out nine batters.

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With Ashcraft now on the 60-day injured list, his 2024 season is likely over. There’s still a possibility that Brandon Williamson could return this season, but Spiers has solidified his place in the Reds’ rotation with his performance.

The timing of the announcement has led to speculation among Reds fans that the team might have been engaged in trade discussions involving one or more of their relievers. With less than 24 hours before the trade deadline, Cincinnati’s moves remain closely watched.