Reds’ flurry of roster moves has fans celebrating (but asking questions)

The Cincinnati Reds bullpen is utterly exhausted, and the team's move to activate Yosver Zulueta ahead of Sunday's series finale against the St. Loiuis Cardinals will certainly help in that regard. But more over, the Reds also recalled outfielder Rece Hinds and returned Jeimer Candelario from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville. This flurry of roster moves might have just left Reds fans with more questions than answers at this point.

Adding Zulueta was necessary. The Reds have exhausted their bullpen in recent days, and recalling the right-hander will help bring some relief to overworked group of Cincinnati pitchers. Hinds will bring some pop to the lineup from the right side — something that's been missing since Austin Hays hit the IL with a foot contusion.

But Candelario's situation is bit puzzling. The veteran had been on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville, and all signs were pointing to a return sometime this week. The term "returned" typically means that the player has suffered some sort of setback, which adds another layer of curiosity to this flurry of roster moves. In order to recall both Zulueta and Hinds, the Reds optioned Chase Petty back to Triple-A and designated Garrett Hampson for assignment.

Reds’ flurry of roster moves has fans celebrating (but asking questions)

It'll be curious to see how Reds manager Terry Francona decides to use Hinds moving forward — though he's not in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale. The young outfielder has light-tower power, but is prone to striking out. Over the last few weeks at Triple-A, however, Hinds has been mashing the opposition to the tune of .321/.396/.560 with a 22.9% strikeout rate since returning to the minors.

But what are fans to make of Candelario's "return" from his rehab assignment? Those allocations have an expiration, and Candelario was running up against it. Cincinnati could be waiting until tomorrow to actually activate him from the IL, though it's peculiar that they just didn't do so immediately. In 15 games with the Louisville Bats, Candelario hit just .211/.318/.333 with a home run and 10 RBI. He did have six hits in his last six games, but also struck out nine times.

With the Reds likely to face a barrage of left-handed pitching in the coming days, it'll be curious to see what adjustments Francona will make to the lineup. Having Hinds back certainly helps in that regard, and the switch-hitting Candelario — if reinstated soon — offers flexibility as well. DFA'ing Hampson clears the way for the Reds most unexpected move of the season with Chase Burns expected to be called up on Tuesday. Buckle up, Reds fans, it's going to be an interesting week.

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