CINCINNATI -- The Reds called up Brandon Dixon from Triple-A Louisville for his first big league promotion on Monday and optioned Rosell Herrera to Louisville. Dixon has hit .326 with four home runs and 14 RBIs with Louisville this season.
Dixon popped out in foul territory in the first inning of a game at Indianapolis on Monday and finished the inning in the field at third base. He was then taken out of the game and given the news he'd been called up.
"It's been kind of crazy," Dixon said. "I had to drive back to Louisville and get my stuff and then head out. It has been awesome. I FaceTimed my parents and they kind of broke down. It was a cool moment to have with them."
Dixon nearly made the Reds out of Spring Training, when he hit .326 with four home runs and 10 RBIs, but he was one of the final cuts. He carried his success over to the first month and a half of the season in Triple-A. Dixon has played third base a lot recently, but the righty has also played left field, first base and second base.

"I feel like I fit that mold right now," Dixon said. "I play a lot of different positions and can come in off the bench. Whatever they need, I am excited to do. I have had a lot of time at second, left and first this year mainly, but every day is different. I have played three or four times at third this last week."
Reds interim manager Jim Riggleman said Dixon had as good of a spring as anyone on the team, and he feels comfortable using him in a number of different positions.
"He has been seeing a lot of pitching and is probably more prepared right now than Rosell is, because Rosell has been sitting a lot here, so we sent Rosell out and brought in Brandon," Riggleman said. "He's made himself very playable in left field, second base, third base and played a lot of first base down below. I would feel comfortable putting him pretty much anywhere."
Lorenzen to be activated
Reds reliever Michael Lorenzen threw in the outfield at Great American Ball Park before Tuesday's game with Pittsburgh and is nearing a return with the team. He threw two scoreless innings on Sunday in a 20-pitch outing with Double-A Pensacola. The multi-inning outing was the final hurdle in his three rehab appearances since beginning the season on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder.
"I am excited to finally be here and see the light at the end of the tunnel," Lorenzen said. "I feel good with one day off and feel ready to go."

Riggleman said Lorenzen is expected to be activated on Wednesday, giving him one more day off.
"When we bring him back to pitch, we would like to know, if needed, that he could throw a couple of innings, if not more," Riggleman said. "One more day off, [we] would be more assured he can give us a couple of innings."
Lorenzen said he's felt good for a few weeks now and has been eager to get back with the club.
"I wanted to be back three weeks ago, but I guess it is better than me enjoying the DL," Lorenzen said. "I want to be out there seeing the guys play and stuff. It has been tough to watch, but we have had -- with [Jared] Hughes and everyone -- good leadership, and they've been able to do well without me. I am just excited to come back and plug right in."
Lorenzen posted a 4.45 ERA in a team-leading 70 appearances last season, logging 83 innings while striking out 80 and walking 34.