Reds: 3 players who could lose their roster spot when Nick Senzel returns

2. Heath Hembree, Reds reliever

It feels like only a matter of time before the Cincinnati Reds and Heath Hembree part ways. Brad Brach was sent to the injured list with a shoulder impingement in order to bring Lucas Sims back to the active roster, but you have to believe that designating Hembree for assignment was on the table as well.

No, Nick Senzel is not a pitcher, but the Reds are currently carrying 14 pitchers on the roster, including nine relievers. Unlike Tyler Naquin, Heath Hembree no longer has any minor league options remaining, so moving on from the right-hander would require Cincinnati to designate the former Cleveland Indians’ reliever for assignment.

The possibility exists for Hembree, much like Brach, to be sent to the IL as well. This would allow the Reds to preserve his roster status and keep him within the organization rather than exposing the 32-year-old to waivers. To be honest, whether it’s injury related or not, it has seemed like Hembree has been laboring through his last few trips to the mound.

Heath Hembree pitched well when Cincinnati’s bullpen was in dire straits, but with the additions of Luis Cessa, Justin Wilson, and Mychal Givens, his role has changed. David Bell no longer needs Hembree to lock the game down in the ninth inning. We’re much more likely to see the right-hander appear in the sixth or seventh inning moving forward.