Injuries are mounting for the Cincinnati Reds, and the situation will likely cost the team a once-promising slugger.
The latest injury came Saturday, May 16, during a 7-4 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. Backup catcher Jose Trevino left the game with a left hamstring injury.
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On Sunday, Cincinnati made a series of moves, including placing Trevino on the 10-day injured list. The catcher joins starting pitchers Hunter Greene, Brandon Williamson and Rhett Lowder on the IL, along with closer Emilio Pagan and slugger Eugenio Suarez.
Trevino’s replacement, P.J. Higgins, was added to the 40-man roster and recalled from Triple-A Louisville.
That means somebody has to go. That somebody is outfielder Rece Hinds, who shocked the baseball world in July 2024 when he hit five home runs during his first six MLB games. Hinds was designated for assignment.
The Reds have seven days to trade Hinds or place him on waivers. Despite his struggles since the 2024 debut, the 25-year-old Hinds is expected to be claimed by another team.
Cincinnati manager Terry Francona addressed Hinds’ situation Sunday and sounded like he is resigned to losing the outfielder.
“Maybe for his sake, I really hope he gets an opportunity he didn’t get here,” Francona said, per reporter Charlie Goldsmith. “I love the kid. There are obviously tools there. Sometimes, things have a way of working out for guys.”
Triple-A success not transferring to MLB
Hinds received a shot to stick with the Reds on April 14 after starting the season with a hot bat for Triple-A Louisville.
Hinds slashed .354/.471/.775 with five home runs and 16 RBIs in 13 games with the Bats. Furthermore, he enjoyed an outstanding spring training, batting .410 with a 1.414 OPS and five homers in 21 games.
But the success did not transfer to the big leagues. In 36 plate appearances, Hinds slashed .121/.167/.212 with no homers and five RBIs. The Reds sent him back to Louisville on May 3.
In 2025, Hinds got 44 plate appearances, slashing .116/.136/.279 with two home runs and three RBIs.