Cincinnati Reds: Perfect storm may hasten Jose Siri’s major league debut

On Sunday, the Cincinnati Reds will be able to expand their roster. Given the back-to-back doubleheaders this weekend, Jose Siri could make his MLB debut.

The harsh weather in St. Louis forced last night’s game to be postponed and now the Cincinnati Reds will play back-to-back doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday. With what’s sure to be an exhausted outfield, Jose Siri could make his major league debut quicker than some had thought.

Due to Saturday’s doubleheader, Cincinnati had already announced the addition of right-hander Tyler Mahle to the roster. Major League Baseball allows clubs to recall one additional player who is on the 40-man roster to serve as the 26th man on the day of a doubleheader.

However, with the rosters expanding on September 1st, the Reds will have a plethora of options to help offset what will, no doubt, be a fatigued bullpen and lineup. Curiously, the scenario laid forth could be a perfect storm for the young Reds prospect Jose Siri.

Siri was just recently promoted to Triple-A Louisville after spending the majority of the 2019 season at Double-A Chattanooga. The 25-year-old slashed .251/.313/.388 with the Lookouts, hitting 11 home runs, driving in 50 runs and swiping 21 bases. Siri’s numbers with the Bats are not impressive. With just a .169 batting average in 99 plate appearances.

While Siri may not be known for his bat, the Reds No. 15 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, has tremendous speed and plays phenomenal defense. Even though he may not start, at the very least we could see Siri as a pinch runner or late-inning defensive replacement.

Of course the Reds have other options. Derek Dietrich and Brian O’Grady (likely to be called up) have played the outfield this season. But, Cincinnati is missing someone capable of replacing Nick Senzel in center field. Jesse Winker, who’s filled in on occasion, is on the 10-day injured list and Scott Schebler, who’s been at Triple-A the majority of the season, is shelved for the season.

Sure, Phillip Ervin has seen some time in center field, but that’s Siri’s primary position. Another option for the Reds would’ve been José Peraza, but after being optioned to Triple-A just a few days ago, MLB rules dictate that he cannot be recalled until September 6th.

Not only does the back-to-back doubleheader this weekend pose some problems over the weekend, but on Monday, the Cincinnati Reds return home for four straight games against the Philadelphia Phillies.

With the season all but over, the major league debut of Jose Siri would be something entertaining for Reds Country to watch. We’ve already seen the impact of rookies like Senzel, Josh VanMeter and Aristides Aquino, perhaps Siri could be the next impressive young player to join the Reds in 2019.