Reds add even more power with promotion of Aquino
The Cincinnati Reds already rank third in the National League in homers this season, and they have added a major power bat to their bench.
Aristides Aquino was activated from the 60-day injured list Sunday. Nick Senzel was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Aquino on the roster.
Aquino, who had surgery to repair the hamate in his left hand in April, played in six rehab games at triple-a Louisville. He had five hits in 19 at-bats with two doubles and a homer. He drew eight walks and struck out once.
“It's good that (Aquino) got a lot of playing time,” Reds manager David Bell said. “He should be able to hit the ground running when he gets here. We definitely didn't rush it. He's healthy and ready to go. I definitely think he can add a lot to our team. We've seen it.”
Aquino may start in center field against left-handed starting pitchers, but he will likely see most of his playing time off the bench. Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker are everyday starters in the corners. Tyler Naquin has been starting ahead of Shogo Akiyama in center against right-handed pitchers.
“I always see it as it will work itself out,” Bell said. “He has to stay ready. There are days he will get starts. I haven't made a lineup for the next couple days, but we have a couple left-handers coming up. He might get a start there. He'll come off the bench a lot.”
Aquino hasn't received regular playing time since his torrid start to his career in 2019, earning National League Player of the Month honors in his first month in the big leagues. He spent most of last season at the alternate site as the Reds wanted him to cut down on his strikeouts.
He had three hits in 13 at-bats before his injury on April 13, which included a double and two homers.
“I see him as a potential everyday player in this league,” Bell said. “He's shown that, and he's capable of that without a doubt. For a guy at this point in his career, it's still about kind of waiting for that opportunity. That's easier said than done, too, but he's shown that he could do it, and I think that ends up being the key to creating that opportunity for himself.”