Reds bring up Keury Mella, Deck McGuire, activate Jesse Winker, DFA Barrett Astin

The Cincinnati Reds made a series of moves on Tuesday, bringing up a pair of pitchers that will help them absorb the remaining innings left this season and activating another promising outfield bat.

Each of Keury Mella and Deck McGuire were brought up from AA after the Pensacola Blue Wahoos’ season ended. Mella, acquired with Adam Duvall from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Mike Leake a few years back, was already on the 40-man roster, but a roster spot was needed to add McGuire, a former 1st round draftee by the Toronto Blue Jays. In order to make space for him, RHP Barrett Astin was designated for assignment.

Mella, 24, has thrown 134.0 IP of 4.30 ERA ball so far this year, and considering he threw 138.2 IP in 2016 between two levels, he should have the ability to soak up as many as the Reds will need from him, be it in a relief role or as a spot starter. McGuire, 28, might well get used as more of a mop-up arm, as he’s already thrown 168.0 IP this year following 141.0 IP last year. In reality, he’ll probably get used much like another former 1st round pick by the Blue Jays who’s on the Reds’ roster at the moment - Asher Wojciechowski.

Also returning is Jesse Winker, the OBP machine OF who’s been sidelined with a hip flexor issue suffered on August 24th. He’s flashed surprising power in early action with the Reds since being called up from AAA Louisville, and should be firmly in the OF rotation at both corners for the remainder of the 2017 season.