By Field Level Media & Drew Koch | April 15, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds made a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday, activating three key players from the injured list: outfielder Austin Hays, second baseman Matt McLain, and reliever Alexis Díaz.
Each of the trio had been sidelined with leg injuries to start the 2025 season.
Outfielder Austin Hays, 29, is set to make his long-awaited Reds debut. The former All-Star, who split last season between the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies, signed a one-year, $5 million deal with Cincinnati in the offseason.
He had been dealing with a calf strain during spring training and opened the year on the 10-day injured list.
McLain, 25, returns after a brief absence due to a hamstring injury.
The promising infielder appeared in eight games before landing on the IL, hitting .214 with three home runs and five RBIs. He figures to slot right back into a key spot in the infield and the batting order as the Reds continue to shuffle their lineup early in the season.
Perhaps the most notable return, though, is that of Alexis Díaz, the 28-year-old right-hander who served as Cincinnati’s closer over the past two seasons. Díaz emerged as one of the National League’s premier relievers in 2023, earning an All-Star nod and converting 37 saves.
However, his 2025 season has gotten off to a slower start. After battling a hamstring injury during spring training, Díaz also struggled with his command during Cactus League action and in a recent rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville.
In five appearances for the Louisville Bats, Díaz allowed four earned runs, six hits, and four walks — concerning numbers for someone expected to handle late-inning duties.
Despite being officially activated from the 15-day IL, it remains unclear whether manager Terry Francona will immediately reinstate Díaz as the Reds’ closer.
Given his recent performance and the early-season bullpen missteps — including a blown save by Ian Gibaut on Opening Day — Francona may be cautious with how Díaz is reintroduced to high-leverage situations.
To make room on the active roster, the Reds optioned outfielder Jacob Hurtubise and infielder Noelvi Marte to Triple-A Louisville.
Marte, who is serving an 80-game suspension for PEDs, had been on the restricted list and will now continue preparations for a potential midseason return.
With the return of Hays, McLain, and Díaz, the Reds are getting healthier — and deeper — but questions remain. Can Díaz regain the form that made him one of the game’s elite closers just two years ago?
Or will Francona look elsewhere in the short term as Díaz works his way back into rhythm?
Either way, the Reds’ roster is starting to look more complete — and more competitive — as they continue their early-season push in the National League Central.
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