The Cincinnati Reds made four roster moves today. They “activated” infielders Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Matt McLain from the 60-day injured list. In order to create room for them on the 40-man roster the team designated left-handed pitcher Brandon Leibrandt and infielder Amed Rosario for assignment.
Much of this is just shuffling around some paper. When the season is over the 60-day injured list ceases to exist. Why the Reds only made two moves of guys on the 60-day injured list today is unclear, but given that both are in the Arizona Fall League perhaps there’s a weird rule that comes into play because of that. Soon enough the Reds will have to activate Tejay Antone, Graham Ashcraft, Christian Roa, Brandon Williamson, Austin Wynns, and Stuart Fairchild – all of whom are on the 60-day injured list.
When that happens they’re going to have to find some roster spots to clear. Today’s designated players are just the first to go. Amed Rosario is a free agent to be in November, so this one truly is a move that’s basically just on paper. He was as good as gone and if the team decides they want him back then they can always try and bring him back on a free agent deal this offseason.
Brandon Leibrandt would have been under team control for six years if the club wanted to keep him on the 40-man roster for that entire time. He has pitched in just 15.1 innings in his big league career with the Miami Marlins (2020, 9.0 innings) and the Reds (2024, 6.1 innings). The lefty will turn 32-years-old in December. Given his age, stuff, and experience you can understand why the team was willing to remove him from the 40-man roster. He’s the kind of guy who will be available on a minor league deal who can provide some depth in Triple-A.
The post Reds designate Amed Rosario, Brandon Leibrandt for assignment appeared first on Redleg Nation.