Reds News: Infielder elects free agency, Casey Legumina recalled, Sal Stewart on IL

The Cincinnati Reds dropped Game 1 of their three-game series against the Washington Nationals on Friday night. A late-inning rally wasn't enough, and Cincinnati lost by a final of 8-5. The Reds will get back at on Saturday with Nick Lodolo toeing the rubber for manager David Bell.

The Reds are still just three games back of the final Wild Card spot, and with the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching, the next several games will be helpful in determining Cincinnati's strategy when it comes to buying or selling prior to July 30th.

Reds News: Edwin Ríos clears waivers, elects free agency

Edwin Ríos spent the majority of the 2024 season in the Reds organization as part of the Louisville Bats roster. Ríos inked a minor league contract with the Reds this past offseason, and in 50 games in the minor leagues, Ríos hit .243/.340/.486 with 11 big flies.

It became necessary, due to the large influx of injuries, to select Ríos' contract a couple weeks ago. But after Stuart Fairchild was added back to the active roster, the Reds designated Ríos for assignment. After clearing waivers, rather than accept an outright assignment back to Triple-A, Ríos elected free agency.

Reds News: Brent Suter placed on IL with sho, Casey Legumina recalled

Unfortunately, Brent Suter is going to miss significant time. In fact, there's a chance the Cincinnati native may miss the remainder of the 2024 season. After Suter exited Friday's game prematurely, he was diagnosed with a partial tear of left teres major muscle.

Suter's spot in the bullpen will be occupied by right-hander Casey Legumina. The 27-year-old originally came to Cincinnati from the Minnesota Twins after Kyle Farmer was dealt to the Twin Cities after the 2022 season. Legumina has been down at Triple-A Louisville this season and has a 3.35 ERA with 40 punch outs in just over 40 innings of work.

Reds News: Sal Stewart placed on 7-day IL

Sal Stewart has been one of the Reds best prospects this season and looked to be nearing a promotion to Double-A Chattanooga. But the Dayton Dragons have placed Stewart on the seven-day IL without a designation.

Stewart was the 32nd pick in the 2022 MLB Draft and was Cincinnati's second pick that year after selecting fellow infielder Cam Collier in Round 1. In 80 games at High-A this season, Stewart is hitting .279/.391/.454 with 50 free passes and eight home runs.

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