Reds recall Negron, option righty Contreras

CINCINNATI -- Outfielder Kristopher Negron was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Thursday and right-handed reliever Carlos Contreras was optioned to Louisville.

Negron, a non-roster invitee to Spring Training, was reassigned to Louisville the day before Opening Day. He is versatile defensively, having played 46 games at shortstop, five at second, three at third and 26 in the outfield at Triple-A this season. Negron hit .269 with 15 doubles, three triples, three home runs and 25 RBIs in 75 games. He also stole nine bases in 11 attempts.

"[Negron has] played all over. … He's done a really nice job there," manager Bryan Price said. "He started out really slow. For a guy who had a really outstanding Spring Training for us, he had a slow start at Louisville, but he's up to [.269]."

Contreras, who was recalled from Double-A Pensacola on June 21 and made his Major League debut by pitching a scoreless ninth inning against the Blue Jays the same day, appeared in three games for the Reds. He allowed one run on two hits over 4 1/3 innings (2.08 ERA), walking three and striking out two.

"This transaction wouldn't have happened if we didn't have the two injuries [to Billy Hamilton and Brandon Phillips Wednesday]," Price said. "I was very happy with what [Contreras] brought to the table. He got the opportunity to come up from Double-A and give us a look at what we have going forward. And I didn't think he was scared. He's got good stuff. I think he's got three quality pitches, and I think he's going to be a very good one for us."