Reds news: Alejo Lopez and Delino DeShields join the expanded roster

The Cincinnati Reds roster is likely to be very fluid in the coming days and weeks. With rosters now expanded to 28 players, the front office made the decision to promote both Alejo Lopez and Delino DeShields to the active roster. Reliever R.J. Alaniz will also join the team on Wednesday as the 29th man for nightcap of the doubleheader.

There was a lot of speculation that that Reds may call up pitchers Hunter Greene or Dauri Moreta, but the team instead decided to boost their putrid offense that has struggled recently to dent the plate.

Lopez has enjoyed a phenomenal season at the dish in both Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville. Lopez has hit over .300 at both levels this season. DeShields just joined the Reds on Tuesday, but with Jesse Winker out of the lineup and Cincinnati struggling against left-handed pitching, it makes sense to call up the team’s newest acquisition.

Alejo Lopez and Delino DeShields are part of the Reds 28-man roster.

Alejo Lopez has done nothing but hit all season long. At Double-A Chattanooga, Lopez hit .362/.437/.448. It was more of the same once Lopez made the jump to Triple-A. The 26-year-old slashed .316/.406/.464 for the Bats.

Lopez joined Cincinnati in late June and got a base knock in his very first plate appearance. Lopez spent 11 games in the bigs, started three games and hit .316 in 19 plate appearances. Lopez was unable to record a home run or an RBI, but did score three runs.

Delino DeShields spent the 2021 season with the Boston Red Sox, but never made it onto their major league roster. In 84 games for Triple-A Pawtucket, DeShields hit .252 with 13 doubles and six home runs. DeShields also stole 21 bases and was only caught three times.

DeShields, who’s father is the Reds’ first base coach, will bring an element of speed and defense to the Cincinnati outfield. It’s hard to expect much at the dish from DeShields, as his career slash line of .246/.326/.340 isn’t going to wow too many folks.

However, given how poorly the Reds have fared versus southpaws of late, DeShields career .717 OPS versus lefties might earn him some playing time, at least until Jesse Winker returns from his stint on the injured list.

Expect to see Jose Barrero return to the Cincinnati Reds lineup next week. Per league rules, since Barrero was optioned on Saturday, he must remain in the minor leagues for at least 10 days. Brad Brach began a rehab assignment today, so we should expect to see the right-hander return to the team sometime soon as well.