The Reds have claimed utilityman Patrick Kivlehan off waivers from the Padres, the Cincinnati organization announced. Kivlehan had been designated for assignment by San Diego.
Entering the year, the 26-year-old had spent his entire professional career in the Mariners organization, moving steadily up the ladder but never having earned a big league promotion. That all changed with a wild 2016 campaign for the former fourth-round draft pick.
Kivlehan is now on to his fourth team of the year with today’s claim. In between his time in Seattle and his forthcoming stint with Cinci, he saw action in the Rangers and Padres organizations. The latter of those afforded him his first big league opportunity, with Kivlehan logging four hits (including one home run) in his first 19 plate appearances.
For most of this year, Kivlehan has played at Triple-A with his various teams. In 397 total plate appearances, he owns a .254/.302/.416 batting line with 12 home runs. Since beginning his pro career as a third baseman, Kivlehan has increasingly spent time also in the corner outfield as well as at first base.
Somehow I doubt his stint with the Reds will be much longer than those with other teams. They’ll need to clear at least 8 spots from the 40 man roster, not including free agents, to protect guys from the Rule 5 draft. Kivlehan seems like a long shot to make it to opening day.
Is there a site that verifies who needs to be protected in every level in order to not be lost in the Rule 5 Draft? It would also be interesting to see what players could be made available in the Double-A or Triple-A portion of that draft.
I know I was wondering the same thing because with service time and stuff, I just can’t find out when they are eligible for the rule 5 draft.
Age 23 or older off the 40 man roster
The Reds made room for him by putting Cozart on the 60-day DL. I know his knee has issues post-surgery, but is there a diagnosis for exactly what’s wrong? I’m wondering if it’ll make it impossible to trade him this offseason.