CINCINNATI -- Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani, the Reds' starter for Tuesday's game against the Rockies, was activated from the 60-day disabled list. Reliever Jackson Stephens was optioned to Triple-A Louisville to clear a spot for DeSclafani on the 25-man roster.
In order to get DeSclafani back on the 40-man roster, Cincinnati released reliever Kevin Shackelford, who had been pitching at Triple-A Louisville. The club also announced that Shackelford will soon be undergoing right elbow surgery. He will continue to be paid for the rest of the season and his rehab will be covered by the team.
DeSclafani has been out since mid-March with a strained left oblique. He has not pitched in the Major Leagues since September 2016.
Stephens had a 4.20 ERA in nine appearances this season. Shackelford, who had a couple of big league stints this year after starting the season on the disabled list with a right elbow injury, was 0-1 with a 7.88 ERA in five games.