Reds activate injured starter amid otherwise underwhelming September call-ups

September is here, and with it comes the addition of two roster spots. The Cincinnati Reds and every other major league ball club will see their roster expand from 26 to 28 over the final month of the 2024 season.

In years past, a number of players would be littered throughout the dugout during the month of September, but recent rules changes allow for just two additional spots on the active roster with the maximum number of pitchers capped at 14.

The Reds September call-ups were rather underwhelming. Rather than promote some of their young talent, Cincinnati used the additional roster spots to activate a number of players from the injured list. Brandon Williamson, who'll start Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, was activated from the 60-day IL.

Reds September call-ups include Brent Suter, Brandon Williamson, and Jake Fraley

In a corresponding move, the Reds designated David Buchanan for assignment. Cincinnati had just acquired Buchanan in a trade from the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this week. Buchanan entered Saturday's game against the Brewers and gave the Reds some much-needed length.

In addition to Williamson's activation, the Reds also activated both Jake Fraley and Brent Suter from the injured list. Fraley had been sidelined with a right knee sprain and Suter suffered a partial tear of left teres major muscle back in July.

The moves themselves are not necessarily surprising, but the Reds are leaving a couple talented prospects down on the farm; at least for now. Prospects like Zach Maxwell and Jacob Hurtubise could have been included in the Reds September call-ups, but back the veterans back should not necessarily be seen in a negative light.

There is still time over the final few weeks of the 2024 campaign for players like Maxwell, Hurtubise, and Blake Dunn to log some time in the big leagues before the offseason begins. That trio is likely to retain a spot on the Reds offseason roster, though Maxwell doesn't have to be added to the 40-man until next winter.

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