The Reds announced yesterday that right-handers Ryan Hendrix, Raynel Espinal, and catcher Chuckie Robinson have cleared waivers and been assigned outright to Triple-A Louisville. All three will become minor league free agents after the World Series unless added back to the 40-man roster.
Hendrix, 27, has spent the past two seasons shuttled between Triple-A and Cincinnati’s major league bullpen. He’s struggled mightily during that time, failing to post an ERA below 5.00 at either level during either season. Hendrix will search for a minor league deal this offseason and, having spent his entire professional career in the Reds organization, may benefit from a change of scenery.
Espinal, 31, played for three organizations in 2022. He opened the season pitching for the Giants at their Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento, before being traded to the Cubs in exchange for minor league shortstop Dixon Machado at the trade deadline. After just 2 games with Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate in Iowa, he was released, and later signed a minor league deal with the Reds, for whom he served as an up-and-down pitcher during September, posting a 7.71 ERA in just 4 2/3 innings of work. After a similarly short stint with weak results in the Red Sox bullpen last year (9.00 ERA in 2 innings), Espinal will look for a minor league opportunity with yet another club this offseason.
Robinson, 27, struggled at the plate in 25 games with the Reds this year (60 PA), slashing just .136/.136/.271 in that time. Robinson fared better during his time in the minors this season, however, slashing a more respectable .266/.320/.399 in 58 games (219 PA) split fairly evenly between the Double-A and Triple-A levels. Given the desirability of upper-minors catching depth, Robinson will likely find a minor league deal this offseason, whether with the Reds or another club.
Ohh, another HOU drafted catcher that Scott Harris can pick up?
Do the Reds have an unlimited supply of AAA catchers or is it just me?
Yes. They have somehow passed the Reds of the early 80’s with Alan Knicely, Dan Billardello, Dave VanGorder and Steve Christmas.
That extra N in Dann Billardello really irked me. Also, whither Terry McGriff? For shame..
They picked up several this year since Stephenson went down. Kolozsvary, Robinson, and Okey we’re home grown catchers the others were FA pickups. The Reds have a big 40 man crunch coming up this year. Lots of prospects need to be protected.
And with that said why do the Reds not bite the bullet on Votto and MAG contract for next year and play younger players and open two 40 spots. Neither will play good enough for a mid season trade.
I don’t think Robinson is that bad of a player, but he needs more playing time. Where he can get it, I have no clue.
Apparently Louisville.