The Cincinnati Reds have made roster moves to enable the return of Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Matt McLain from the 60-day injured list. Both players have completed their rehabilitation assignments in the Arizona Fall League, which have now reached the maximum duration permitted for such assignments.
To make room on the team’s 40-man roster for these two players, MLB Insider Robert Murray reports that the organization has designated left-handed pitcher Brandon Leibrandt and infielder Amed Rosario for assignment. This decision was necessary to ensure that Encarnacion-Strand and McLain can rejoin the team as they look to contribute to the Reds’ postseason hopes. The team is hoping that these reinforcements will bolster their performance as the season progresses.
Amed Rosario’s Reds Tenure Comes to a Close
This season, Rosario played for three teams. He started the year with the Tampa Bay Rays after signing a one-year deal in the offseason. Later, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers to provide positional depth due to several injuries affecting their roster. The Reds claimed Rosario off waivers on August 18 after the Dodgers designated him for assignment.
Despite the departures, Rosario was an above-average offensive contributor. Rosario hit a solid .280/.306/.4380 line while splitting time between second base, shortstop, third base and right field. Rosario emerged as an alternative to Noelvi Marte at the hot corner, as Marte struggled after returning from his 80-game suspension.
Leibrandt was a sixth-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2014 MLB Draft. He made his way through the minor leagues with the club to reach Triple-A during the 2018 season. Unfortunately, Leibrandt missed time due to injuries, prompting the Phillies to release him in 2020. Leibrandt joined the Miami Marlins and launched his MLB career that summer. He has pitched 9 innings with the Marlins in 2020 and 6 1/3 innings with the Reds in 2024.
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