2 more Reds who won’t survive the week after Austin Wynns trade

The Cincinnati Reds finally parted ways with Austin Wynns on Sunday. After designating Wynns for assignment earlier in the week in order to activate Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the injured list, the Reds traded their backup catcher to the Athletics in exchange for cash considerations.

The Reds were holding on to Wynns due to depth concerns in the minor leagues, but obviously Encarnacion-Strand's bat was sorely missed. The slugger went 7-for-14 during the weekend series against the Arizona Cardinals with four extra-base hits, including the game-winner on Saturday afternoon.

But Wynns won't be the only Reds player shown the door this week. The Reds have a few others who are working their way back from injury, and at least two other roster transactions are likely to occur in the coming days. Who else is on the chopping block?

Connor Joe and Garrett Hampson won’t survive the week after Reds traded Austin Wynns to the A's

With Austin Hays' returning to the lineup as soon as Tuesday, and Jeimer Candelario rounding into form with a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville, look for both Connor Joe and Garrett Hampson to be expelled from the Reds active roster this week. Joe can be optioned to the minor leagues, but Hampson's dismissal will require a DFA.

The Reds added both players earlier this season after injuries ravaged the team's depth. At the time, Encarnacion-Strand, Candelario, Hays, and Noelvi Marte were all ailing, but Cincinnati' stars are finally starting to return from the IL. Marte is still on the mend, but the Reds hope to have him back in the fold before the All-Star break.

Once Hays and Candelario are activated from the IL, the Reds will have no need for Joe and Hampson on the roster. Joe has become little more than a platoon bat against left-handed pitching, and is likely ticketed for a trip to Louisville once Hays returns. The Reds can deploy an outfield of Hays, Spencer Steer, and TJ Friedl against left-handed pitching, with Jake Fraley and/ or Will Benson joining the lineup against righties.

The Reds offense finally found their footing over the weekend, and the assumed addition of Hays and Candelario will only enhance Terry Francona's lineup card. If the Reds get hot, there's a good chance that Cincinnati can get back into the playoff hunt. The Reds are currently 7½ games back of the division-leading Chicago Cubs and 4½ games back in the chase for the final NL Wild Card spot.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors