Reds News: Cincinnati claims Orioles infielder, Ian Gibaut’s rehab assignment halted

The Cincinnati Reds added new face to the Louisville Bats' clubhouse on Friday afternoon. The Reds claimed infielder Liván Soto off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Soto was designated for assignment earlier this week.

The Reds' depth chart took a hit this spring with the suspension of Noelvi Marte and the injuries to Matt McLain and TJ Friedl. Things got even worse after top prospect Edwin Arroyo suffered a season-ending shoulder injury which prompted Cincinnati to swing a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays for infielder Santiago Espinal.

Soto is not necessarily an accomplished major leaguer. The 23-year-old has just 22 major league games under his belt, but hit well when given the opportunity. During a two-year span with the Los Angeles Angels from 2022-23, Soto hit .375/.414/.531 with six extra-base hits.

Reds News: Cincinnati claims Orioles infielder Liván Soto

Soto was optioned to Triple-A Louisville. An international free agent signee of the Atlanta Braves back in 2016, Soto has two minor-league options remaining. Soto has experience playing shortstop as well as second and third base, and will add to a team that's been hit hard by both injuries and illness this season.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario were both out of the Reds lineup on Friday night against the Angels. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, reliever Tejay Antone was placed on the 60-day IL. Antone suffered an elbow injury earlier this year and underwent season-ending surgery over a week ago.

Reds News: Ian Gibaut’s rehab assignment halted

Speaking of relievers, unfortunately, Ian Gibaut suffered a setback during his rehab assignment. According to the Reds, Gibaut is suffering from renewed forearm discomfort. Gibaut was returned from Triple-A Louisville and will likely undergo some testing in order to find out the cause of this latest hiccup.

Gibaut missed all of spring training with a forearm issue, and it would appear as though the right-hander has re-aggravated that injury. Gibaut appeared in a game for the Louisville Bats on Tuesday and was supposed to pitch on Wednesday. That never happened, and it seems like Reds fans will have to wait a little longer until Gibaut is back on the mound.

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