Reds officially add Amed Rosario to roster, place struggling infielder on IL

The Cincinnati Reds plucked Amed Rosario off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend. The infielder, who can also man a spot the outfield as well, was acquired by LA at this year's trade deadline from the Tampa Bay Rays, but was quickly cut loose upon Mookie Betts' return from the injured list.

The Reds jumped at the opportunity to acquire Rosario for next to nothing. Though the veteran will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, the move was a reminder that Cincinnati still isn't out of the playoff conversation just yet.

But after the acquisition was made, Reds Country was ablaze with talk of who'd be sent down in order to clear a roster spot for Rosario. The Reds had an opening on the 40-man, but a member of the active roster would have to be moved in order to activate Rosario. The Reds finally revealed their intentions ahead of Tuesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, and it had nothing to do with a minor-league option.

Amed Rosario joins the Reds active roster, Jeimer Candelario placed on IL

The Reds placed Jeimer Candelario on the injured list with a left great toe fracture. Candelario had been battling knee tendinitis for much of the season, but this injury would seem to be somewhat new.

Candelario had been struggling for last couple of months. After a red-hot June saw Candelario hit .290/.302/.591 with eight home runs, he really has hit a snag since July 1st. Over the past few weeks, Candelario is hitting just .194/.246/.348 over his last 40 games.

Most Reds fans assumed that either Noelvi Marte or Will Benson would have been optioned back to Triple-A Louisville, but for now, both players are still part of the 26-man roster. Rosario will surely get at-bats against left-handed pitching and may find his way into the everyday lineup.

With Candelario on the IL, Santiago Espinal will likely receive more playing time over the next few weeks. The Reds' preseason trade acquisition has been one of Cincinnati's best players over the past few weeks.

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