CINCINNATI -- The Reds returned shortstop José Iglesias from the paternity list on Wednesday and optioned infielder/outfielder Josh VanMeter to Triple-A Louisville.

In Miami on Monday, Iglesias and his family welcomed their third child and first girl, Antonella.

By sending out VanMeter, the Reds essentially chose to keep Phillip Ervin as an extra outfielder. Ervin was recalled on Saturday from Louisville when reliever Wandy Peralta went on the 10-day injured list with a right hip flexor strain.

“They do bring two different things. We would’ve liked to have kept them both,” Reds manager David Bell said. “We just weren’t able to keep Josh because of the [roster] numbers.”

VanMeter, who was called up to the big leagues for the first time on May 5 and has had two stints with Cincinnati, batted .220/.347/.268 in 28 games. He was used as a pinch-hitter in 18 games and made seven starts.

“I don’t think we got a full picture of what he can do,” Bell said. “We love having him here. We really like the quality of at-bats, and he’s certainly contributed. The big thing with Josh, in fairness to him, he wasn’t getting a lot of at-bats. I think it will really benefit him to go get back into some regular playing time. If the need arises, we’ll have him back and he’ll have some at-bats under his belt.”

Ervin, who was in a groove for Louisville ahead of his fourth call-up this season, will get to play especially vs. lefty pitchers. He wasn’t in the lineup against the Astros and right-hander Gerrit Cole on Wednesday.

“He’s done everything he can. He’s handled every situation so well,” Bell said. “It just says so much about him as a person and a player. It’s nice to be able to keep him here. He’s a big part of our team. He’s extremely well-liked and respected, and he’s a good player. We’ve been wanting to find a way to keep him. Sorry to see Josh go, but it’s also good to have Phil stay around, too.”