Edwin Arroyo injury scare could derail the Reds plan fans were waiting for

Cincinnati Reds prospect Edwin Arroyo has been one of the organization's hottest hitters, and some fans assume that big-league call-up could be just around the corner. Unfortunately, the young shortstop suffered an injury during Friday night's minor-league game and had to exit after fouling a pitch off his left leg.

With the Louisville Bats trailing the Nashville Sounds in the bottom of the seventh inning, Arroyo clipped a 1-2 offering and the ball ricocheted off the bat and hit him in the lower part of his left leg. Upon replay review, it was difficult see where exactly the ball struck him, though the radio announcers presumed it bounced off his left knee.

Reds hope Edwin Arroyo's injury doesn't slow his big-league promotion

Arroyo was removed from the game mid-at-bat and replaced by veteran infielder Garrett Hampson. No update was immediately available after the game, but the Reds' top prospect was in obvious pain.

Arroyo is off to a blistering hot-start this season at Triple-A. In 41 games with the Bats, he's hitting .347/.414/.605 with nine home runs, 30 RBI, and 161 wRC+. Arroyo is known for contact-first approach, but his power has shown through this season. Though it's questionable whether or not his pop will translate to the big leagues, it's certainly a welcome development.

Recently, the Reds' brass had been experimenting with Arroyo at both second and third base. A shortstop by trade, Arroyo's best chance to make it to The Show would likely come by player either the keystone or the hot corner — Elly De La Cruz has the shortstop position on lockdown.

Ke'Bryan Hayes' early-season struggles had some Reds fans envisioning Arroyo supplanting the Gold Glove Award-winner at third base, but this latest injury could greatly impact his timeline to the big leagues. Hayes has also began to play better over the past week, and All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez could soon be returning from the IL as well. Matt McLain has felt the pressure as well, and his bat has been heating up in recent weeks.

Arroyo's injury is concerning, and the obviously hope among the fanbase is that it's nothing serious. The 22-year-old has battled various injuries throughout his minor-league career — including a shoulder injury that wiped out his entire 2024 campaign.

Fans will have to wait for the official word on the extent of Arroyo's latest ailment, but hopefully it doesn't keep the organization's top infield prospect sidelined for long.

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