After DFA'ing Kevin Newman, will the Reds promote this fast-rising prospect?

The Cincinnati Reds made the decision on Monday afternoon to reinstate Kevin Newman from the injured list and then desiganted the shortstop for assignment. For those of you who feel that it's a bit harsh to activate player and then DFA him, it's purely procedural.

It is, however, a bit curious. After all, the Reds could have just kept Newman on the 10-day IL for the rest of the season and then non-tendered him during the offseason. But Reds GM Nick Krall might have something up his sleeve,

Newman's departure now gives Cincinnati a vacancy on the 40-man roster. How might the Reds fill that roster spot before Tuesday's game in Cleveland?

After DFA'ing Kevin Newman, will the Reds promote this fast-rising prospect?

While conventional wisdom would have you believe that the Cincinnati Reds may have a pitching prospect they plan to activate prior tonight's game, there's a fast-rising prospect who could have his contract selected before the Reds take the field against the Guardians.

Jacob Hurtibise has been on fire since making the jump to Triple-A. The 25-year-old Reds prospect was hitting .390/.537/.460 and has 12 stolen bases in just 36 games with the Louisville Bats.

The Reds need to add to Hurtibise to the 40-man roster this offseason anyway in order to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, so why not get a head start? Hurtibise would, at the very least, another speedster that manager David Bell could use as a pinch runner.

Designating Kevin Newman for assignment is only part of the equation, however. The Cincinnati Reds would also have to option a player in order to clear a spot on the activate roster should the club look to call up Hurtibise.

With Matt McLain readying to return following a rehab assignment, we may see a flurry roster moves before Tuesday's contest against the Cleveland Guardians. Unless there's an unknown injury, look for Stuart Fairchlid to be optioned in order to activate McLain from the IL.

Jacob Hurtibise, if the Reds decide to add him to the 40-man roster, could take the place of Nick Martini. The veteran outfielder is 1 for his last 11 and, according to FanGraphs, has minor league options remaining.