The Cincinnati Reds made a pair of roster moves today before their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team activated catcher Curt Casali and optioned Brian O’Grady back to Triple-A Louisville.
Curt Casali had been out of action since July 15th with a knee injury. After spending about three weeks on the injured list he headed to Louisville on a rehab assignment on August 8th. He played both the 8th and the 9th, but then was pulled back from the assignment. Casali returned to the Bats on Tuesday to begin another rehab assignment and test out the knee. Things went better this time around as he played in three straight games. The first two were behind the plate, while Thursday saw him play as the Louisville designated hitter. He went 3-9 with a hit in each game during his assignment, homering on Thursday. He also drew a walk and struck out once in his most recent stint with the Bats.
Brian O’Grady continues to ride the rollercoaster that goes up-and-down between Triple-A and the Major Leagues in August. He earned his Major League call up earlier this month, and played in five straight games – all as a pinch hitter between August 8th and 12th. But he was optioned back to Louisville following that stint. His time back in Triple-A didn’t last very long as he was recalled less than a week later. Much like the previous stint with Cincinnati, he played in five straight games. In four of those games he was used as a pinch hitter. O’Grady did get his first start, though, on August 20th against the San Diego Padres. He’s gone 1-12 to start his career, picking up his first hit on August 10th in Cincinnati against the Cubs in a 10-1 win.
The trip back to Louisville probably won’t be a long one for Brian O’Grady. The Bats aren’t going to make the playoffs and their season ends on September 2nd. Once their season is over, expect the Reds to recall some players from Triple-A. With O’Grady’s ability to play all three outfield spots, first base, pinch run, and provide a lefty power threat off of the bench, I’d expect him to be back on the roster when rosters expand.
Brian O’Grady May do well later, but his non-performance in the critical games he played in, over a short stretch, cost us!