Reds’ latest call-up could turn a September audition into something more

September roster expansion isn't what it used to be, but it still offers teams an opportunity to get an extended look at some of their top minor-league talent. The Reds September call-ups included left-handed pitcher Brandon Williamson and infielder Juan Brito.

Williamson made his first start since April on Wednesday afternoon. He went 5⅓ innings and allowed just three runs on seven hits while striking out seven batters. It was a solid outing for the lefty who'll now head to the bullpen and follow each one of Chase Burns' starts through the end of the season.

But Williamson wasn't the only Reds player who performed well during Wednesday's series finale against the San Diego Padres. Brito slugged his first big-league homer during the second inning to knot the score at 3-3 and recorded his first stolen base in the sixth. This was on top of his sacrifice fly from Tuesday night that scored what would be the winning run during Cincinnati's 4-3 victory over San Diego.

Brito has started the past two games at second base for the Reds — mainly because Eugenio Suárez was taking his U.S. Citizenship Test and Matt McLain was filling in for Elly De La Cruz at shortstop. When Geno returns on Friday and De La Cruz takes back his rightful spot at shortstop, it'll be interesting to see how much playing time the former Cleveland Guardians farmhand sees.

Juan Brito could force his way into the Reds' offseason plans

Brito was plucked off waivers at the beginning of August. He spent the year with the Guardians after spending his first three professional seasons in the Colorado Rockies organization. The 24-year-old finally got the call to the majors earlier this season, but after just a couple weeks with Cleveland, he was optioned back to the minor leagues.

Brito has a good feel for the strike zone and doesn't whiff often. During his stint in the minors this season, he owned a 13.7% walk-rate and a 17.9% strikeout-rate. In other words, he's a contact hitter who puts the ball in play.

That same profile worked well for former Reds infielder Santiago Espinal, and if Brito can endear himself to Terry Francona and the coaching staff, he could be part of the team's offseason roster. His pre-arb contract status plus minor-league options remaining certainly makes keeping Brito through the winter all the more intriguing.

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