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.
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," manager Terry Francona said after the game.
Also asked about Arroyo's struggles postgame, Francona acknowledged it hasn't been smooth but was also supportive.
“Sometimes the game is going fast and guys are trying to do what they think is right," Francona said. "We kind of knew that things were coming at him quick. I do think it’s been good for him. He’s not the finished product. Hopefully, this will help him.”
McLain, who has been with Louisville on a rehab assignment since Friday, was 5-for-17 in five games there before his activation.
In a separate move, right-handed pitcher Chase Petty was also optioned to Louisville and reliever Zach McCambley was recalled.