2 Reds roster moves fans should expect this week, and 1 that will surprise you

The Cincinnati Reds have won back-to-back series for the first time since last July, and Terry Francona's bunch heads into Tuesday's tilt with the Seattle Mariners ready to make it three in row. But before the Reds tangle with the Mariners, Cincinnati has some roster moves that must be made.

All signs point to two, and perhaps three key players returning from the injured list this week. The Reds have endured a number of injuries at the outset of the 2025 season, and though they're unlikely to have their full compliment of players next week, Cincinnati's roster is inching its way back to full-strength.

A couple of these moves are academic at this point, and shouldn't be too controversial, but there's one outstanding move that could surprise a handful of Reds fans. The question is, do the Reds have the guts to make it?

2 Reds roster moves fans should expect this week, and 1 that will surprise you

Alexis Diaz activated from injured list, Sam Moll optioned to Triple-A

Alexis Diaz has struggled to find his command this spring. A hamstring injury, coupled with an inefficient showing during spring training, landed the Reds closer on the 15-day IL to begin the season. Diaz has been rehabbing in Triple-A, and his last outing finally resembled what Reds fans are used to seeing from the right-hander — three straight strikeouts.

But with the addition of Diaz to the roster, the Reds will have to make a corresponding move. While some fans may advocate for Ian Gibuat to hit the bricks, the veteran has righted the ship after his historic meltdown on Opening Day. Sam Moll, however, has looked like a shell of himself. Look for the Reds' lefty to head back to Triple-A (or land on the IL) this week.

Matt McLain and Austin Hays activated from injured list, Jacob Hurtubise optioned to Triple-A

Matt McLain and Austin Hays could both be back as soon as Tuesday. That's terrific news for a Reds lineup that's been starved for offense lately. McLain's red-hot start came to a screeching halt after he was bitten by the injury bug once again. A mild hamstring strain sidelined McLain, but he's expected to be back this week.

Hays suffered a calf strain before the start of the season, delaying his Reds debut until this week. The former All-Star will likely supplant Jacob Hurtubise on the roster, who's been little more than a bench bat and defensive-replacement throughout the first two-plus weeks of the season.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand optioned to Triple-A instead of Noelvi Marte

But if both McLain and Hays return this week, it'll require more than just sending Hurtubise back to the minors. Other players like Blake Dunn and Santiago Espinal could be optioned to the minor leagues, but both have filled vital roles in the early-going. That means the decision will likely come down to one of Christian Encarnacion-Strand or Noelvi Marte.

Marte looked great during his first week at Triple-A this season, and after back-to-back starts, could finally look to carve out a regular spot in the Reds lineup. Encarnacion-Strand, however, has found the bench the past two games. While Francona mentioned that CES was "banged up", he's also striking out at an unsustainable clip and swinging wildly at pitched well outside the strike zone. If it's a choice between Marte and Encarnacion-Strand, look for the latter to get a ticket back to the minor leagues.

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