The Reds announced a series of transactions today, selecting the contracts of veteran infielder/outfielder Derek Dietrich and shortstop Jose Iglesias to join the Opening Day roster. Righty Matt Wisler was designated for assignment to clear 40-man roster space.
Several players were also shifted to the 10-day injured list, with no surprises in the bunch. Lefty Alex Wood joins infielders Scooter Gennett and Alex Blandino on ice to open the season.
Bringing Dietrich and Iglesias aboard further strengthens a position-player unit that is full of talent. Both are limited players: the former is a quality left-handed hitter who doesn’t field well and the latter is a magician with the glove who doesn’t bring much with the bat. Iglesias’ defensive wizardry will be all the more important early in the season, as he’ll likely see significant time at shortstop with Jose Peraza sliding to second base in place of the injured Scooter Gennett.
As for Wisler, the Reds will now have a week to either trade the former top prospect or attempt to pass him through outright waivers. The 26-year-old was a key part of the trade that sent Craig Kimbrel from the Braves to the Padres several years ago, but he’s never pieced things together at the MLB level. Wisler owns a 5.14 ERA with 6.4 K/9 against 2.9 BB/9 in 338 frames in the Majors to this point, though he’s consistently posted solid numbers in the minor leagues. He’s also out of options, though, so any club who acquires Wisler would need to carry him on its 25-man roster.
Today should be a national holiday. Hooray for opening day
Does anyone know what time teams are required to officially announce or submit their transactions?!?!
I think it’s two or three hours before their first game.
Wow, great for Reds to get Iglesias so cheap. Glove is good and bat slaps singles good.
I think they will be managed well. If they can stay healthy and the starting pitching is average I think they can win a lot of games.
If if if if if if if if if ….. way too many.