Aristides Aquino's trip to the IL gives The Punisher yet another reprieve

An awkward slide in Sunday's game at Busch Stadium resulted in Cincinnati Reds' outfielder Aristides Aquino landing on the 10-day IL with a calf injury. The Punisher will receive yet another reprieve at is appeared as though his time with the Reds was nearing an end.

With Max Schrock and Donovan Solano ready to return to the Reds lineup, Aquino was on the shortlist of players most likely to be designated for assignment. Colin Moran and Alejo Lopez were already optioned to Triple-A yesterday after Cincinnati activated Mike Moustakas and recalled Reiver Sanmartin.

Aquino has already been designated for assignment once this season. Just before the rosters shrunk from 28 to 26, Aquino was DFA'd, but went unclaimed and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Louisville.

Reds OF Aristides Aquino lives to fight another day.

Aristides Aquino was lifted during Sunday's game versus the St. Louis Cardinals after sliding into home plate awkwardly in the fifth inning. Aquino was replaced by Albert Almora Jr.

The Punisher was in Monday's lineup for David Bell but was a late scratch. Aquino was replaced by Matt Reynolds in the lineup and Jonathan India on the 26-man roster. Had Aquino not suffered that calf injury on Sunday afternoon, we very well could have seen him designated for assignment today in order to make room for India.

Aquino's defense has been outstanding this season. According to Fielding Bible, Aquino leads the Cincinnati Reds in defensive runs saved despite playing only 205 innings in the outfield. Aquino is also, according to Baseball Savant, tied with Nick Senzel for the team-lead in outs above average.

As a fan, it's incredibly frustrating to watch Aristides Aquino play. The 28-year-old has unbelievable raw talent, but he's yet to put it all together. This latest injury will give the Reds a chance to send The Punisher on a rehab assignment, which will extend his stay with the team without exposing him to waivers again.