Reds must choose between the easy move and the smart one after optioning Ivan Johnson

The Cincinnati Reds optioned Ivan Johnson to Triple-A Louisville following the team's loss to the Washington Nationals on Sunday. Typically these types of announcements are followed by a corresponding move, but nothing was divulged on Monday afternoon.

Johnson, who's gone just 1-for-12 during his brief big-league stint this season, has been little more than a late-inning replacement for the Reds since being called back up. Fans are no doubt eager to see who'll replace him on the active roster, and Cincinnati's front office essentially has two ways they can fill the void.

How will the Reds backfill the roster after optioning Ivan Johnson?

The assumption is that Cincinnati will look to replace Johnson with another infielder. The Reds already have five outfielders on the active roster, and with Johnson back at Triple-A Louisville, the Reds need an extra glove on the infield dirt.

The simplest way to fill the spot would be to recall Edwin Arroyo. The former top prospect was optioned back to Triple-A on July 30, so he's just passed the 10-day minimum required to remain in the minor leagues. Juan Brito, a player the Reds acquired at the trade deadline from the Cleveland Guardians, is also an option.

But the Reds could be thinking outside the box, and it may be time to promote former Colorado Rockies slugger Michael Toglia. After signing a minor-league deal with the Reds this past offseason, Toglia has spent all year at Triple-A Louisville. In 97 minor-league games, he's hitting .273/.373/.547 with 22 home runs, 65 RBI, and a 135 wRC+.

Adding Toglia would be a little trickier, but the Reds have the means to do it. With Hunter Greene now set to miss the remainder of the 2026 season, Cincinnati can shift him from the 15-day to the 60-day IL to open up a roster spot. The Reds could then select Toglia's contract from Triple-A Louisville and insert him into the starting lineup.

Toglia has experience in the outfield, but has spent most of his time at first base this season. He could essentially take over the role that Nathaniel Lowe was occupying, which would allow Cincinnati to shift Sal Stewart over to third base in place of Ke'Bryan Hayes.

The Reds are also expected to activate Nick Lodolo from the 15-day IL ahead of Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox, meaning that one of Zach McCambley or Luis Mey is likely to be optioned back to the minors as well.

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