Jonathan India's injury update is bad news for Reds infielder Alejo Lopez

While Jonathan India's injury update is good news for the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, it's bad news for Alejo Lopez. India's eventual return to the Cincinnati Reds lineup will likely see Lopez return to Triple-A Louisville.

India received a clean MRI on Monday and the infielder will be headed to Triple-A Louisville to begin a rehab assignment. You'd have to assume that a week in Derby City will be more than enough time for India to get his legs back under him.

But once India is ready to return, someone will lose their spot on Cincinnati's active roster. Barring injury to another player in the meantime, Alejo Lopez will likely be headed back to the minors.

Jonathan India's impending return spells trouble for Reds IF Alejo Lopez.

Alejo Lopez has already made the drive up I-71 three times this season. The 26-year-old was recalled shortly after Opening Day, but sent back at the end of April. Lopez was called back on May 1st, but quickly sent back the following day. Oddly enough, the following day saw Lopez recalled one more time, and he's been at the major league level since May 3rd.

Lopez's playing time has come sparingly, but when he's been able to wiggle his way into the lineup, the infielder has produced. Over his last 15 games, Lopez is hitting .280/.379/.360.

Last night versus the Arizona Diamondbacks, Alejo Lopez was 2-for-4 with a double. According to Baseball Savant, the double off Lopez's bat was 105.1 mph. That was Lopez's hardest hit ball of his major league career.

But Lopez has minor league options remaining while players like Matt Reynolds and Brandon Drury do not. Not to mention the fact that Reynolds is hitting .348 in his last seven games and Drury leads the team in home runs (10).

Alejo Lopez will surely be recalled later in the season. But once Jonathan India is healthy, all signs point to Lopez losing his spot on the active roster.