Reds reverse course on roster move they never should've made with latest activation

The Cincinnati Reds activated left-handed pitcher Andrew Abbott from the 15-day injured list ahead of Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The southpaw will be back on the hill after missing the first two weeks of the 2025 season with a shoulder injury.

But the Reds had to make room on the active roster, and chose to option Will Benson back to the minor leagues. Benson made one start during the team's West Coast road trip to San Francisco and struck out in all four at-bats. Obviously, Cincinnati's coaching staff didn't like what they saw from their 26-year-old outfielder, and he'll now return to Triple-A for the second time this season.

Reds reverse course and option Will Benson to Triple-A in order to activate Andrew Abbott from the injured list

Some Reds fans might be a little surprised — thinking perhaps Noelvi Marte would've been sent back to Triple-A. After all, the Reds have yet to insert Marte into the starting lineup, though the former top prospect did make a pinch-running appearance earlier this week.

But Benson has struggled mightily with strikeouts. The power-hitting outfielder was near the top of the league in strikeout rate last season, and despite changing his approach in the batters' box, still struggles to make contact.

This is yet another setback for the former Cleveland Guardians farmhand who's yet to replicate the success he found during the second-half of the 2023 season. Benson is now behind the likes of Jacob Hurtubise, Blake Dunn, and even infielder-turned-outfielder Gavin Lux on the Reds' depth chart.

Abbott's return to the mound will be met with a lot of celebration from the Reds' fans and coaches. The lefty was slowed by a shoulder injury that he suffered last year, but after two rehab stints in the Derby City, Abbott has been declared ready to go.

Cincinnati's starting rotation has been among the best in the league to begin the season, and Terry Francona is hoping for more of the same from Abbott on Saturday. With Benson back in the minors, this likely signals a commitment to Lux in the outfield — at least until Austin Hays returns from the IL next week.

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