Reds news: Scott Schebler designated for assignment

The Reds finally parted ways with Scott Schebler.

We all knew it was coming. But, on Sunday, the Cincinnati Reds officially parted ways with outfielder Scott Schebler. The left-handed slugger was designated for assignment, while left-hander Brooks Raley had his contract selected by the team. An overcrowded outfield and a poor performance in 2019 spelled doom for Schebler.

Schebler was once a big part of the Reds outfield. In 2017, Schebler hit .233/.307/.484 with 30 home runs and 67 RBIs. Schebler shared the outfield with Billy Hamilton and Adam Duvall during 2018, until Jesse Winker forced himself into the everyday lineup. That season, Schebler hit .255, but spent a considerable amount of time on the injured list.

Last season was the beginning of the end for Scott Schebler. After a terrific showing during spring training, Schebler surprisingly out-dueled Nick Senzel for the Opening Day spot in center field. However, a horrendous start to the 2019 season that saw the left-handed hitting Schebler slash just .123/.253/.222 with 27 strikeouts in 81 at-bats.

The additions of Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama over the winter all but put Scott Schebler on the chopping block. The Reds also added Rule 5 draft pick Mark Payton. Travis Jankowski came aboard as part of an offseason trade, and Aristides Aquino’s dominance during the month of August last season left no more room on Cincinnati’s roster.

Not to be forgotten in this latest transaction is the addition of Brooks Raley to the 40-man roster. It’s a bit surprising, but moreover will not be the only addition to the Reds 40-man roster. Non-roster invitee Nate Jones has already been informed that he’ll be on Cincinnati’s Opening Day roster, so a corresponding move will need to be made.

So, Scott Schebler will not be the only casualty from the team’s 40-man roster. Some others who are on the bubble could be Jankowski, Payton, Josh D. Smith and Justin Shafer. Look for the Cincinnati Reds to finalize their 30-man roster in the coming days.