The Cincinnati Reds announced about 20 minutes ago that Dilson Herrera cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A. That removes him from the 40-man roster, leaving the organization with 38 spots (not counting Rookie Davis, who is on the 60-day disabled list). Herrera will remain in big league spring training for now as a non-roster invitee.
Dilson Herrera has played once in the last six days. He had a “small” setback with his shoulder, and still haven’t done a whole lot of work in the field during games. You obviously don’t want to see guys struggle with their health, but in the long run this could work out for both Herrera and the Reds.
How this could help Dilson Herrera
For Dilson Herrera, not having to worry about playing once or twice a week in the Major Leagues, and instead getting 5-6 starts a week in Louisville could allow further development, and realistically, a possible easier path to a starting job in the Major Leagues. If he performs well, once healthy, then when a job opens up, it could be there for the taking. He’s always hit well when he’s been healthy. While you never know what a guy is going to look like coming back from shoulder surgery, if he can return to normal, the expectation should be that he’ll hit.
How this could help the Cincinnati Reds
For the Reds it could work out for the same reasons it could for Herrera. But, it also could help them out because they get the freedom to perhaps have a more flexible player on their bench in the Major Leagues. At the same time, with Scooter Gennett struggling against lefties, Herrera seemed like a good guy to use in a platoon situation at the spot. And unless the team is going to use Alex Blandino in that role in the Major Leagues, the roster spot that seemed like it was Herrera’s isn’t going to go to someone who should hit lefties nearly as well.