Reds news: Cincinnati cleared another roster spot, surprisingly outrighted Ben Lively

Ben Lively cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A. While Lively has yet to acquire enough service time to reject the outright assignment, he can elect free agency after the World Series.

Lively signed a minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds in 2022, and once again in 2023. Lively's contract was selected midway through this past season and the right-hander joined the team's starting rotation.

A pectroal injury sidelined Lively twice this past season, and could be a reason for his dismissal from the 40-man roster. Lively was 4-7 witha 5.38 ERA and 79 punch outs over 88.2 innings of work.

Reds news: Cincinnati surprisingly outrighted Ben Lively to minors

What does it mean when a player is outrighed to the minor leagues? According to MLB.com, if player clears outright waivers without being claimed, his team has the option of assigning him outright to the minors.

There is the possibility that Ben Lively will accept the assignment and return to Cincinnati next season. We've seen that before. While his numbers don't reflect a great season, Lively proved to be a capable pitcher in the big leagues after spending several years in the KBO.

After outrighting Lively, the Reds' 40-man roster is sitting at 37. However, Reiver Sanmartin, Graham Ashcraft, and Nick Lodolo will need to be added back after spending the last day of the season on the 60-day IL.

Outfielder Harrison Bader, pitcher Buck Farmer, and catcher Luke Maile will fall off the 40-man roster once free agency opens at the conclusion of the World Series.

Cincinnati also has to make a decision when it comes to picking up the club-option for first baseman Joey Votto and whether or not to exercise the mutual-option for catcher Curt Casali. Conventional wisdom suggests both will become free agents.