Reds make flurry of roster moves while Elly De La Cruz's return remains on hold

The Cincinnati Reds are expected to activate Elly De La Cruz from the injured list on Tuesday. The Reds' superstar has been out of action for the last three weeks after suffering a hamstring strain on May 31, but Terry Francona and the Cincinnati coaching staff will need De La Cruz to shake off the rust rather quickly with the Milwaukee Brewers coming to town this week.

While activating De La Cruz from the IL wasn't the docket for Monday, the Reds made a handful of moves before the team's series opener against the Brewers. Cincinnati selected the contract of right-hander pitcher Julian Garcia from Triple-A Louisville and activated Pierce Johnson from the 15-day IL.

In order to make room on the roster, the Reds optioned fireballer Zach Maxwell to Triple-A Louisville and designated veteran pitcher Chris Paddack for assignment. Maxwell has struggled with walks all season long, and Paddack was never able to find his footing after joining the club earlier this season as an injury replacement.

Reds activate Pierce Johnson, promote Julian Garcia

Johnson has been out of action for a few weeks while dealing with right elbow inflammation. He made a rehab appearances over the weekend and is expected to rejoin the back-end of the Reds bullpen.

Garcia is a surprising addition to the Reds' roster after spending a long time toiling in the minor leagues. Garcia, 31, has been dominant for the Louisville Bats this season with a 3.03 ERA and 54 punch outs. He will be making his Major League debut the first time he steps onto the mound for the Reds.

After losing five straight series, the Reds were able to get back to their winning ways this past week after going 4-2 against the high-dollar rosters of the New York Mets and the New York Yankees.

But now comes the tough part of the schedule. The Reds will play nine games over the next 10 days against division opponents. The Brewers — a notorious stumbling block for the Reds over the last several years — will pay a visit to Great American Ball Park this week.

Following the off-day on Thursday, the Reds will travel to the Steel City for three games against the Pirates, and then up to Milwaukee for four more against the Brew Crew. Hopefully this rejuvenated bullpen will be up to the task.

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