Cincinnati Reds: Cody Reed gives way to Phillip Ervin

The Cincinnati Reds sent left-hander Cody Reed back to Triple-A Louisville after throwing 2 innings last night. Phillip Ervin was recalled from Louisville.

Cody Reed was only in Cincinnati for a day before being sent back to Triple-A Louisville. The Cincinnati Reds recalled Phillip Ervin to give the team a right-handed bat off the bench and someone capable of playing all over the outfield.

Since the Reds sent Scott Schebler down to Triple-A Louisville, Nick Senzel has started every game  in center field. While Michael Lorenzen and Jesse Winker are both capable of playing center field, Phillip Ervin is a far better option if the Reds want to give Senzel a day off.

Poor Cody Reed can’t buy a break. He was recalled earlier this season for the Cincinnati Reds’ 9-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on May 4th. During that game, Reed tossed 2.1 innings of scoreless baseball and struck out 4 batters.

Last night, Reed toed the rubber for the 5th and 6th innings after Anthony DeSclafani was chased from his start after 4 innings of work that included 3 home runs. Reed went 2 innings allowed 1 run on 2 hits and struck out 3 batters.

The yoyo season for Reed will likely continue as David Bell and the Cincinnati Reds obviously value what he brings to the table. Reed, who was utilized as a starter and reliever last season, is adjusting to the Reds trying to transition him exclusively to the bullpen.

As for Phillip Ervin, his last trip up to the big leagues was not too productive. Ervin saw playing time during the Reds’ pair of games in Monterrey, Mexico as the the team’s 26th player. Ervin had a triple and struck out during his limited amount of time in both games.

Ervin saw time in 5 games earlier this season with 2 starts. Ervin hit only .125 in those 5 games with 4 strikeouts and 3 walks. To be fair, Ervin’s five games between April 23rd and 30th was not enough time for the right-handed slugger to gain any semblance of momentum.

With Senzel now cemented as the Cincinnati Reds’ center fielder this season, it’s unlikely to see Ervin find any time in the outfield other than giving Senzel, Jesse Winker, or Yasiel Puig a breather. The ability of Derek Dietrich to play the corner outfield spots may limit Ervin’s opportunities as well.

For players like Phillip Ervin, José Peraza, Kyle Farmer, Josh VanMeter, and Cody Reed, the margin for error is very slim and their ability to shine when given the opportunity is paramount to chances of sticking on the 25-man roster.