5 Reds players who won't survive the MLB trade deadline

Well, it's almost here. The Major League Baseball trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Cincinnati Reds appear to be buyers rather than sellers.

After falling behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the chase for first place in the National League Central, it's apparent that the Reds may need some extra pieces in order to make a run at the playoffs.

But despite the fact that Cincinnati will be buyers, a few prospects and some players on the team's 40-man roster may find themselves playing elsewhere after August 1st. Which five Cincinnati Reds players will not survive the trade deadline.

1. Reds pitcher Alan Busenitz will not survive the MLB trade deadline.

Honestly, it feels like a minor miracle that Alan Busenitz has last as long as he has. Though currently pitching down on the farm, Busenitz is part of the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster. But those 40-man roster spots are valuable, and Busenitz may lose his if the Reds look to make some additions at the MLB trade deadline.

Busenitz has outlasted Ricky Karcher and Silvino Bracho, but the August 1st trade deadline may be the end of the line for the right-hander. Busenitz provided depth for the Reds bullpen, but the 32-year-old has not shown much effectiveness when he's made an appearance.

Alan Busenitz has pitched in four games and owns a 4.50 ERA and three punch outs in four innings of work. Designating Busenitz for assignment would allow the Cincinnati Reds to clear a roster spot and attempt to outright the former Minnesota Twins reliever if he passes through waivers.

The Reds are looking to add Justin Dunn, Tejay Antone, Vladimir Gutierrez, and Casey Legumina back to the active roster in the coming weeks. If the trade deadline isn't Busenitz's undoing, the return of those pitchers will be.