The Cincinnati Reds might not have been as active at the trade deadline as some anticipated, but the clubhouse will still feature a new face and some slight alterations when the team shows up Aug. 4 to host the Athletics.
In the closing minutes ahead of MLB's trade deadline, the Redsfinalized deals that sent hard-slugging Nathaniel Loweto the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for two prospects, plus reliever Caleb Fergusonto the St. Louis Cardinals for international pool money.
The two prospects acquired for Lowe won't be at Great American Ball Park anytime soon because they're being dispatched to stops within Cincinnati's minor league system. But Lowe's departure
in particular will allow the 26-man roster to accommodate a new face in 22-year-old Hector Rodriguez.
Reds general manager Nick Krall said the the club was calling up Rodriguez from Triple-A Louisville, and that Martinez would start against the Athletics.
This season, Rodriguez was hitting .274 with the Louisville Bats with 27 homers and an .881 OPS. Rodriguez is ranked Cincinnati's No. 3 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline.
"He spent almost a full season in Triple-A from last year to this year," Krall said. "He's continued to take good at-bats. He's really done a great job of becoming more professional in his at-bats. He's still working to play the outfield, but we felt it was time to give him a shot."
Ferguson's departure will also allow Cincinnati's 26-man roster to accommodate one of the several pitchers working to return from injury. Tony Santillan (left oblique strain), Nick Lodolo (blister) and Brandon Williamson (left shoulder fatigue) are some of the Reds pitchers attempting returns.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: MLB trade deadline: Here's what's next for the Reds roster
