In a bit of surprising news this afternoon, it appears as if one of the Reds top prospects and major offseason acquisition is set to make his team debut this weekend in Philadelphia.
Reds place OF Billy Hamilton on the bereavement list, recall from Louisville IF/OF Jose Peraza.
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 13, 2016
On Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans from the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Billy Hamilton would indeed be leaving the team to deal with a family emergency, as his three year old nephew had passed away Tuesday evening in a car accident. Hamilton himself tweeted about the tragic loss Wednesday, and the entire situation is just absolutely heart breaking.
As someone who has a niece that age, well, I can't even imagine the devastation. Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with Billy Hamilton.
The unexpected part of this is the news that Jose Peraza will be joining the Reds, at least for as long as it takes Billy to return (minimum of three days, maximum of 7, according to the bereavement list rules). Peraza has been playing well in Louisville this season, slashing .295/.341/.393 for a 116 wRC+. His patented make-contact-at-all-cost style has been on full display.
The interesting thing to watch will be how the Reds handle his playing time. He's managed only 53.1 innings in center field for the Bats this season, being used primarily as a shortstop. Will the Reds call up Peraza, one of their most advanced position player prospects, and plant him on the bench? Or will they trot him out into center field to take Billy's spot immediately.
We'll only have to wait a few more hours to find out.