Reds News: Veteran infielder re-signed, celebrated MiLB manager returns, TJ Friedl

Injuries played a huge role in the lack of success the Cincinnati Reds endured in 2024. Key Reds' starters like Matt McLain and TJ Friedl missed Opening Day last year, and players like Brandon Williamson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand spent extended periods on the IL.

Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall has been steadfast in his quest to bolster the team's overall depth heading into spring training to help overcome any injuries that might creep during spring training. Cincinnati's most recent minor-league signing is further proof.

Reds News: Veteran infielder Edwin Rios signed to MiLB deal

According to the Reds' transaction log, infielder Edwin Rios signed a minor-league contract with Cincinnati and was assigned to Triple-A Louisville. It's quite likely that the 30-year-old received a non-roster invite to spring training and will be on the field when the position players arrive on February 17th.

Rios spent most of last season at Triple-A Louisville. In 99 games with the Louisville Bats, Rios hit .288/.354/.531 with 22 home runs and 70 RBI. Rios made a brief appearance in the big leagues after getting called up in early-July due to numerous injuries on the active roster.

In nine at-bats, Rios only recorded one base hit and struck out four times. While this signing won't be overly exciting for the Reds fanbase, it gives Cincinnati some depth behind Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario at first base.

Reds News: Pat Kelly returns to manage the Louisville Bats in 2025

PK is back in the Derby City for a sixth straight season. Pat Kelly has managed the Bats for what feels like forever and will return to the Louisville dugout in 2025. Kelly had a brief big league career as a catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays and after enter coaching post-playing career, has been a big part of the Reds' organization for a long time.

PK managed the Reds' rookies in Billings before getting the top job in the dugout for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and then the Chattanooga Lookouts. Kelly was named the Bats' manager back in 2020 and celebrating winning his 2,000th win as manager last season in Louisville. Kelly is baseball-lifer and the players absolutely love him.

Reds News: TJ Friedl ready for upcoming season after injury-plagued 2024 campaign

The Reds lost TJ Friedl last spring after the centerfielder suffered a fractured wrist. After returning to the big leagues in May, Friedl was quickly placed back on the IL after being hit by a pitch. A hamstring injury further complicated his status, and it felt like Friedl never really found his footing in 2024.

But the Reds' outfielder has spent a good deal of time working on his body this offseason. During an appearance on the Reds Hot Stove radio show, Friedl revealed that he's put in some extra work during the offseason including pilates, yoga, and other core exercises help improve his overall conditioning. The Reds need a bounce-back season from Friedl in 2025, and the outfielder sounds ready to contribute.

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