The Cincinnati Reds surprised fans with a move before their upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs. While everyone expected Hunter Greene to return from the injured list, His addition caught many Reds supporters off guard. The team signed the experienced utility player to a major-league contract and sent Rece Hinds down to Triple-A Louisville.
Hampson was recently released by the Arizona Diamondbacks after playing in 18 games this season, where he struggled at the plate, hitting just .167/.359/.167 with no extra-base hits. He offers versatility, capable of playing shortstop, second base, and center field.
Given the Reds’ lack of power in their lineup, it’s somewhat surprising they decided to option Hinds back to the minors, even though his role has mostly been as a bench player since returning to the major league roster. To clear space on the 40-man roster, Carson Spiers was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Reds sign Garrett Hampson, option Rece Hinds to minor leagues
According to Reds manager Terry Francona, adding Hampson to the roster increases the team’s positional flexibility. Francona has been limited recently due to injuries to Jeimer Candelario, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, and Jake Fraley. Additionally, the Reds lost one of their most versatile defenders earlier this season when Tyler Callihan fractured his arm after crashing into a wall during a series in Atlanta.
Although Hampson brings defensive flexibility, the Reds’ offense has taken a hit. Losing Hinds means Cincinnati is without a reliable power hitter. While Hinds could be inconsistent at times, Hampson’s career stats indicate he is unlikely to provide much offensive production. Over his career, Hampson has posted a .239/.302/.358 slash line with a 69 wRC+, numbers even Nick Senzel finds laughable.
On a positive note, Greene has returned to pitching. The Reds’ ace left a game earlier this month with a groin injury but is back after a two-week recovery, ready to pitch in the series opener against the Cubs. After a tough series loss to the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates, the Reds are counting on Greene to help turn things around.
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