The Cincinnati Reds made a series of roster adjustments Friday morning before opening their series against the Philadelphia Phillies, bringing back two significant players from the injured list: infielder Noelvi Marte and right-handed pitcher Graham Ashcraft. To make room, utility player Ryan Vilade was sent down to Triple-A Louisville, while reliever Sam Benschoter was removed from the roster without having made his MLB debut.
Marte, who started the season in Triple-A, made an immediate impact when promoted to the majors earlier this year. In 19 games through April and early May, he posted a strong .294/.342/.515 line, tallying four doubles, a triple, three home runs, and 17 RBIs. After a nearly seven-week absence due to injury, he completed a rehab assignment that included stops in Arizona, Double-A Chattanooga, and Triple-A Louisville. Over nine rehab games, Marte impressed with a .333 average, two home runs, and just one strikeout in 37 plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Ashcraft avoided rehab starts altogether. After throwing bullpen sessions with the team and a live session in Boston, the Reds deemed him ready to return following a two-and-a-half-week absence from a groin strain.
Vilade, who spent over a week with the Reds but saw action in just one game, returns to Louisville. Benschoter, called up on July 1st, didn’t get into a game before being removed from the roster, leaving his MLB debut still to come.
