1 significant Reds roster move to anticipate over the next week

The Cincinnati Reds may need to shake things up this week. The team (until recently) has been unable to score runs of late, and it's ruining some stellar outings from their starting rotation. Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott have been phenomenal of late, but have little to show for it.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand is a few weeks away from returning, TJ Friedl will be sidelined until June with a fractured thumb, and Matt McLain — if he even returns this season — won't be back until at least August.

Noelvi Marte should return later next month, but the Reds need help now. Is there a significant roster move the Reds can make that may help to give the lineup a boost? Perhaps — but it's a little outside-the-box.

Reds could add Michael Trautwein to the roster, DFA Mike Ford

Michael Trautwein is currently down at Triple-A Louisville. While the Bats' catcher struggled at the plate to start the season, he's been much better of late. Since May began, Trautwein has hit .326/.356/.674 with four doubles and three home runs. But your not calling up Trautwein specifically for his bat.

As much as fans hated the idea of having three catchers on the roster last season, it may be beneficial at this point in the season. Why? Because Tyler Stephenson — who's been the Reds best hitter for the past couple of weeks — can act as the team's designated hitter while Trautwein and Luke Maile grab reps behind the plate.

On Thursday, David Bell had multiple opportunities to use Stephenson as a pinch-hitter and he didn't do it. Having another backstop on the roster would allow the Reds skipper to use his best hitter as a DH, catcher, or bring him off the bench when needed.

Furthermore, Trautwein not only sets up behind the plate, but he can also play the corner outfield positions. Trautwein has played left field seven times for the Bats already this season. Stephenson has experience at first base as well, and could be used there in a pinch.

To make room for Trautwein, who's not on the Reds 40-man roster, Cincinnati could designate Mike Ford for assignment. Let's face it, Ford has been a disappointment since re-signing with the Reds a couple of weeks ago. With Nick Martini back on the big league club and Encarnacion-Strand working his way back from the injured list, Ford's time in Cincy is already running out. Why not make the change now?

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