2 Reds players who could make surprise return when rosters expand in September and 1 who won't

Reds infielder Matt Reynolds could make a surprise return in September.

Laugh it up, but if you haven't followed the Louisville Bats this season, then you have no idea how good Matt Reynolds has been performing for Pat Kelly's ball club. Reynolds is hitting .284/.383/.563 with 51 extra-base hits, including 19 home runs.

Reynolds made a brief appearance with the Cincinnati Reds earlier this season, only to be designated for assignment a few days later. Make no mistake, there are several teams who'd be lining up to have a player like Reynolds on their roster.

The 32-year-old is a grinder. A former second-round draft choice of the New York Mets, Reynolds latched on with the Reds last season and even remained on the team's 40-man roster throughout the majority of the offseason.

In order to add Reynolds in September, Cincinnati would have to remove someone from the 40-man roster. With the discouraging news surrounding Jonathan India, don't be surprised if Reynolds is called up next month in order to add some infield depth in the event that the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year is out for the season.

Some fans would surely prefer Noelvi Marte to Mat Reynolds, and if the Cincinnati Reds are squarely out of the playoff chase once September rolls around, that's probably the more prudent move. But if the Reds are fighting for their playoff lives, adding a calming, veteran presence that Reynolds would be a wise choice.