Reds admit roster mistake, recall outfielder after tuneup in Triple-A

The Cincinnati Reds are desperate for somebody in their lineup to start hitting. Coming off a 3-7 record on their West Coast road trip, David Bell's bunch is in need of a spark. Perhaps Nick Martini can provide that after being recalled on Tuesday afternoon. Conner Capel, who'd received little playing since being called up, was optioned back to Triple-A Louisville.

Martini was all the fans in Cincinnati could talk about on Opening Day. In fact, his first week of the 2024 season was a rousing success. But the left-handed hitter fell on hard times and strikeouts became his only friend before the Reds made the decision to option Martini to Triple-A Louisville.

It was part of a slew of moves earlier this season that saw both Martini and Bubba Thompson sent back to the minors. TJ Friedl was activated off the IL and Capel was given a chance — albeit a small one — to prove himself in the big leagues. But a lot has changed since Martini joined the Louisville Bats a couple weeks back.

Reds admit roster mistake, recall Nick Martini after tuneup in Triple-A

The Reds signed Mike Ford to a major league deal and Jacob Hurtubise made his big league debut. Unfortunately, both of those moves came with the placement of both Friedl and Christian Encarnacion-Stand on the IL.

Martini, however, used his time in the Derby City to get his swing back. Marinti looked lost at the plate, but his brief tenure in Louisville saw the 33-year-old hit .364/.563/.818 with three home runs, nine walks, and just four strikeouts.

The Reds need to start putting crooked numbers on the scoreboard and wins in the standings. Martini brings a big bat and a lot of energy and leadership to the clubhouse — something this team sorely needs.

More Cincinnati Reds News from Blog Red Machine