Cincinnati Red Designate Switch-Hitting Utility Specialist For Assignment

An interesting decision by the Cincinnati Reds.

Following this week's trade, the Red needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster and, as a result, designated infielder Alejo Lopez for assignment.

Lopez didn't embarrass himself last season in the majors, posting a respectable .262/.314/.331 triple-slash line, with one home run, 10 RBIs, three stolen bases and 15 runs scored over 59 games.

The Reds are taking a gamble that he'll pass through waivers unclaimed and they'll be able to keep him around. With most teams looking at adding pitching depth right now, that may very well happen.

Lopez has played just 73 career games in the majors, making his debut in 2021, and he has the ability to play second base, third base and outfield. He's also a switch-hitter. 

The twenty-six-year-old is a former 27th-round pick by the Reds in the 2015 MLB Draft.
Photo Credit: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK