Reds activate McLain, option Arroyo after defensive struggles

CINCINNATI -- It had become clear in recent weeks that the Reds' new middle infield combination of shortstop Elly De La Cruz and rookie second baseman Edwin Arroyo wasn't meshing very well.

Routine double plays weren't getting turned and other mistakes became hurtful to run-prevention for Reds pitchers.

On Thursday, Cincinnati optioned Arroyo to Triple-A Louisville and activated De La Cruz's previous double-play partner -- second baseman Matt McLain -- from the injured list.

“For young kids, the game is going fast sometimes,” manager Terry Francona said of Arroyo. “You can’t get too carried away with your initial [impression]. We all have first thoughts. When a kid comes back, a lot of times they look stronger. They look like they belong. They know where they’re going. So that will be the hope.”

Arroyo, 22, is batting .244 with a .568 OPS and no home runs in 44 games since he made his big league debut on June 1. A shortstop when part of the prospect haul the Reds received from the Mariners in the 2022 Trade Deadline deal for rotation ace Luis Castillo, Arroyo had a great reputation for defense as he moved up through the Minors. In recent seasons, he was introduced to second base, and this season third base, to give him more versatility.

Although McLain is a strong defensive player, he struggled to hit all season and saw his playing time wane as the door opened for Arroyo. Then McLain -- who entered Thursday batting .190 with a .621 OPS and eight homers in 83 games -- went on the 10-day IL July 10 with a left calf strain.

Arroyo got the bulk of the time at second base but didn't seem to click with De La Cruz. It culminated Wednesday during the fifth inning of a 6-1 Reds loss to the Guardians.

On the heels of De La Cruz committing an error on leadoff batter Steven Kwan's routine grounder, the next batter, José Ramírez, followed with a potential double-play ball. De La Cruz flipped to second base, but Arroyo was late to cover and everybody was safe.

“I think Arroyo thought Elly was going to take it himself so he kind of veered, and so we got no man’s land,” Francona said after the game.

Asked about Arroyo's struggles postgame, Francona acknowledged that he wasn't a finished product. With Louisville, Arroyo will play second base and continue to learn.

“He showed the ability to make a real flashy play,” Francona said on Thursday. “But I said, ‘Hey, on a good team -- what we aspire to be -- when you hit it to the middle of the field, you’re out.’ I just wanted to give him some things to think about. Sometimes you go back to Triple-A and it’s a little bit easier there because the game is a little slower.”

McLain, who has been with Louisville on a rehab assignment since Friday, was 5-for-17 in five games there before his activation.

“I’m excited to play. It’s good to be back in the clubhouse," McLain said. “I got the calf right, got the mind right. I’m just excited to be playing baseball.”

McLain, who turns 27 next Thursday, played three games (two starts) in center field while he and Arroyo were both on the active roster. But now he will be back shoring up the middle infield.

“We obviously missed his defense,” Francona said. “We all know we want him to hit better, himself included. But we just don’t want him to try to get it all back in one game. Just play the game, be scrappy, make all the plays, be a good baserunner -- but we need to see him play.”

Francona hoped the time on the IL and rehab assignment could help McLain reset his season as it heads into the final two months.

“When we sent him out to get his at-bats, we said, ‘Hey, attack it. Don’t just go down and rehab.’ From all accounts … he really did a good job,” Francona said.

In a separate move, right-handed pitcher Chase Petty was also optioned to Louisville and reliever Zach McCambley was recalled.