Reds post-deadline roster shakeup begins but one painful decision still looms

The Cincinnati Reds optioned Rece Hinds back to Triple-A earlier this week after trading for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes. But after making a couple more additions at the MLB trade deadline, along with TJ Friedl's return from the paternity list, Cincinnati needed to make a couple more alterations to the roster ahead of the showdown with the Atlanta Braves at Bristol Motor Speedway.

On Saturday, the Reds officially activated Miguel Andujar and Zack Littell after trading for both players at the deadline. Friedl was reinstated as the 27th man for the Speedway Classic, and Reds optioned both Connor Joe and Lyon Richardson back to Triple-A.

But before the Reds take the field on Monday in Chicago, Nick Krall and the front office have one more looming decision to make. The Speedway Classic allows the team to carry an extra player, but once the Reds touch down in the Windy City, they'll need to trim the roster to 26 before the upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs. Who stays and who goes?

Reds post-deadline roster shakeup begins but Will Benson or Santiago Espinal are barely clinging to a spot

It's safe to say that barring an unforeseen injury, the decision will come down to one of Santiago Espinal or Will Benson. Though fans may not want to hear this, between the two, Benson is more likely to be sent back to Triple-A Louisville.

Benson was the hero on Friday, but has been in a slump since July 1. Though he filled in admirably for Friedl in center field, Benson represents a redundancy on the Reds roster. When it comes to left-handed hitting outfielders, Cincinnati has a bunch. In addition to Benson and Friedl, both Jake Fraley and Gavin Lux can grab a glove and line up on the outfield grass. The Reds also shifted Noelvi Marte to the outfield, which adds even more clutter to the team's outfield picture.

Espinal is arguably the Reds most versatile fielder. The veteran has lined up at multiple positions throughout the year, and Reds manager Terry Francona loves having a player like Espinal who consistently puts the ball in play. Having Hayes at third base, however, may give rise to the idea of sending Espinal down to the Derby City rather than Benson. With Marte in right and Hayes at the hot corner, Espinal's role with the club is sure to be called into question.

Managing a Major League roster is an inexact science, and it's a good bet that whoever is sent down will eventually find their way back as some point this season. With Littell now on the roster, expect to see Nick Martinez head out the Reds bullpen. The right-hander last pitched on Wednesday, and is likely available for Saturday's game if Francona calls upon him.

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