Wade Miley reunion says the quiet part out loud about this top Reds prospect

After losing Hunter Greene to the injured list with a groin strain, the Cincinnati Reds have re-signed Wade Miley to a major-league contract. In order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, Rhett Lowder was moved to the 60-day IL. Adding Miley to the active roster is a clear message to top prospect Chase Petty — you're not ready yet.

Miley was signed to a minor-league deal during spring training, and after seven rehab assignments, opted out of his deal this past weekend. Greene's injury, however, provided the opening Miley needed to secure a spot on a major league roster.

While having a reliable starter like Miley back in Cincinnati will help bolster the rotation, it does show a lack of faith (and rightfully so) in Petty. The young right-hander was given two opportunities to showcase his talents at the big league level this season, and he crashed and burned both times.

Wade Miley reunion speaks volumes about top Reds prospect Chase Petty

Petty started the second game of the Reds' doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals in late-April and was ousted after just 2 ⅓ innings pitched. The young gun allowed nine runs on seven hits while striking out three and walking two.

Petty's second chance came when Greene was on the IL the first time back in mid-May. While facing the Houston Astros, Petty surrendered four runs on six hits and walked six batters over just three innings. Despite his early struggles, Petty has a bright future in Cincinnati. Reds closer Emilio Pagán spoke highly of the rookie last month, and Reds fans can't forget that he just turned 22 years old.

Unfortunately for Petty, the Reds are not in position for him to learn on the job. The club is looking for wins — and a lot of them — in order to get back in the playoff hunt. Entering play on Wednesday, the Reds were four games back in the chase for the final NL Wild Card spot.

The Reds have an off-day on Thursday before a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It's not yet known where Terry Francona plans to slot Miley in the Reds rotation, but it's doubtful that the skipper will want the left-handed trio of Miley, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo going back-to-back-to-back.

According to Francona, Miley is available out of the bullpen on Wednesday and is scheduled to start in Cleveland next week. Petty, meanwhile, will continue to hone his craft down at Triple-A Louisville, and could make a return to the active roster later this season.

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