Cincinnati Reds Activate, Then Immediately DFA 6-Year Veteran

He's been out of the lineup since mid-August due to an oblique strain, and now that he's ready to go, the Cincinnati Reds have activated veteran Kevin Newman, then immediately designated him for assignment. 

Reds reinstated IF Kevin Newman from the IL and DFA'd him.

— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) September 25, 2023

Newman has played first, second, third and short this season for the Reds, but it seems that he just doesn't have a role any more.  

In the six-plus weeks that he's been out, the Reds have filled his infield roles with several other players, who've all now moved ahead of him in the pecking order. The list includes Elly De La Cruz,  Noelvi Marte, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Impressive rookie Matt McLain is just about ready to return from the IL to re-claim his 2B job, and Nick Senzel has also come in to play plenty in the infield.

Cincinnati dealt for Newman before the season from his longtime home with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 30 year old hit .253 in Cinci, with a .675 OPS and an OPS+ about 20% below average, all numbers that are almost bang on his career averages. He added three home runs and eight stolen bases in his 225 at-bats. 

Newman will likely clear waivers and become a free agent before the regular season is out next Sunday.

Photo: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK