Reds FeedIvan Johnson
2B · Age 27 · Bats Switch
Where things stand
Ivan Johnson, the Reds' second baseman, was optioned to Triple-A after going 1-for-12 in limited action this season. Cincinnati must now decide whether to simply recall Edwin Arroyo or pursue a more ambitious roster move, with the team also expecting to activate pitcher Nick Lodolo from the injured list before Tuesday's game.
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2026 season
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Ivan Johnson coverage
NL Wild Card standings make Reds' trade deadline misfire look even worse
The Cincinnati Reds have lost seven of their last ten games and now sit at 62-69, more than five games behind the final Wild Card spot held by the San Diego Padres. General Manager Nick Krall chose not to trade expiring players like Tyler Stephenson, Pierce Johnson, Brady Singer, Brock Burke, and Eugenio Suárez at the August 3 deadline, instead making only minor moves involving Nathaniel Lowe and Caleb Ferguson. The team's playoff odds have dropped below 1 percent, and the decision to hold onto those rentals rather than acquire prospects to strengthen the farm system now appears particularly costly given Cincinnati's recent collapse.
Blog Red MachineTerry Francona’s veteran loyalty could derail the Reds’ young talent
Manager Terry Francona's strength in supporting his players can become a liability when he retains struggling veterans too long, potentially hindering the Reds' development of young talent. With Cincinnati's 2024 season effectively over after beginning with playoff aspirations, the team should use remaining games to give prospects like Hector Rodriguez, Noelvi Marte, and Carlos Jorge playing time instead of keeping veterans like TJ Friedl, who is batting .164, in the lineup. The article suggests the Reds should also prioritize younger pitchers like Luis Mey and Chase Petty over established bullpen arms like Pierce Johnson to evaluate their potential for 2027 and beyond.
Blog Red MachineReds must choose between the easy move and the smart one after optioning Ivan Johnson
The Cincinnati Reds optioned second baseman Ivan Johnson to Triple-A after he went 1-for-12 in limited action this season. The team must now fill the roster spot, with the straightforward option being to recall Edwin Arroyo, who was optioned on July 30 and has now satisfied the 10-day minimum. A more ambitious alternative would be promoting Michael Toglia from Triple-A Louisville, where he's batting .273 with 22 home runs and a 135 wRC+ in 97 games; the Reds could create space by moving pitcher Hunter Greene to the 60-day injured list. Additionally, the Reds are expected to activate pitcher Nick Lodolo from the injured list before Tuesday's game, likely requiring another minor-league option.
Blog Red MachineAstros DFA might have provided the Reds with an ideal Spencer Steer stand-in
Spencer Steer's wrist sprain has left the Reds searching for depth after trading Nathaniel Lowe and optioning Ivan Johnson. Shay Whitcomb, recently designated for assignment by the Astros, offers a potential solution as a versatile defender capable of playing multiple infield and outfield positions. Though Whitcomb struggled with the Astros this season, posting a .130 average in 17 games, he performed better at Triple-A with a .274 average and nine home runs. The 27-year-old is a pre-arbitration player with remaining minor-league options, making him a low-risk addition who could compete at second base alongside Matt McLain and Edwin Arroyo.
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