Reds just sent a clear message to Edwin Arroyo with latest roster move

The Cincinnati Reds made a roster move ahead of the team's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the message to infielder Edwin Arroyo couldn't have been clearer — you've still got a lot to learn.

The Reds activated third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes from the 10-day injured list and sent Arroyo back to Triple-A Louisville. The former top prospect rejoined the club last month after Hayes landed on the IL with a groin injury, but he failed to impress since returning to the big leagues.

In six games, Arroyo went just 1-for-18 and struck out seven times. In total, he's played 50 games in the majors this season and owns an unimpressive .223/.266/.264 slash line. He's yet to record his first Major League home run despite crushing 15 in the minor leagues this season.

Reds infielder Edwin Arroyo has failed to impress during his rookie season

The Reds could've made a number of different moves in order to get Hayes back onto the active roster. Cincinnati is currently carrying three catchers, but Will Banfield hasn't drawn a start since August 23 and is 0-for-4 since being called up. The Reds could've sent him back to the Derby City, but they chose to dump Arroyo instead.

Arroyo's been outplayed by fellow rookie Juan Brito, who made his Reds' debut earlier this month. The former Cleveland Guardians infielder has gone 4-for-14 in four games and has two extra-base hits, including his first big-league homer. Brito can play all over the diamond, and for all intents and purposes, he's quickly usurped the role that was reserved for Arroyo.

It may be unfair to suggest that Arroyo just got Wally Pipp'd by Brito, but the rookie hasn't shown enough during his brief time in the bigs to curry favor with the Reds coaching staff. That's not to suggest that Cincinnati will cut ties with the former Seattle Mariners farmhand this winter — he's just barely 23 years old — but he may have to wait until spring training next year before he gets another to prove he can handle Major League pitching.

Not every player knocks it out of the park during their rookie season; in fact, most don't. Arroyo now has a better understanding of what he needs to work on during the offseason if he hopes to find his way to the major leagues in 2027. His 39.7% chase rate is not sustainable, so pitch recognition might be a good place to start.

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