Reds News: Cincy claims Orioles OF, Livan Soto's hot start, Ian Gibaut injury update

The Cincinnati Reds roster has been relatively consistent, but president of baseball operations Nick Krall has been making some minor moves over the past few weeks. Tejay Antone landed on the IL with an elbow injury, Carson Spiers was recalled at one point, Nick Lodolo is back on the active roster, and Casey Legumina has come and gone. Such is life in Major League Baseball.

But Krall has made a couple transactions recently that have flown under the radar. The Reds recently claimed shortstop Livan Soto off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Given the Reds lack of depth on the infield and the struggles that Santiago Espinal had encountered, it was a wise decision.

On Wednesday, the Reds and Orioles pulled off another transaction. No, Jackson Holliday has not been traded to the Reds, but after adding Heston Kjerstad and David Bañuelos to the active roster, the O's needed to make a move.

Reds News: Cincy claims OF Peyton Burdick from Orioles

The Orioles designated Peyton Burdick for assignment this past week in order to clear a spot on their 40-man roster. The Reds pounced at the opportunity to bring the Ohio native back home. Cincinnati claimed Burdick off waivers and optioned him to Triple-A Louisville.

Burdick played college ball at Wright State and was a third-round pick of the Miami Marlins in 2019. There's no questioning Burdick's power, but the 27-year-old profiles is a three true outcomes-type of player. This season in Triple-A, Burdick has a 15.9% walk rate, 40.6% strikeout rate, and .455 slugging percentage.

Reds News: Livan Soto gets off to hot start with Triple-A Louisville Bats

Speaking of former Orioles players, Soto has gotten off to a hot start for the Louisville Bats after arriving in the Derby City last week. Soto was 1-for-4 on Wednesday and is now hitting .375 with a 1.162 OPS.

Soto was an insurance pickup, much like the aforementioned Burdick. The former Los Angeles Angels farmhand is a left-handed hitter, so there's reason to believe that Cincinnati may require his services as the 2024 season progresses. For the time being, Soto will continue to get reps down at Triple-A.

Reds News: Ian Gibaut rehab assignment

Ian Gibaut's rehab assignment was halted last week. The Reds reliever was supposed to return to the big leagues after throwing in back-to-back games, but Gibaut was returned to the Reds instead. But, Gibaut was sent back to Louisville on Wednesday to complete his rehab assignment.

Gibaut was one of the Reds most valuable relievers in 2023. The right-hander threw more innings in relief than any other player coming out of the Reds bullpen. The Reds will undoubtedly want to get Gibaut to the point where he can pitch in back-to-back games before activating the 30-year-old from 15-day IL.

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