Hector Perez

The Reds announced they’ve designated right-hander Héctor Pérez for assignment. Right-hander Michael Feliz has been reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list, necessitating a 40-man roster spot. Feliz was placed on the IL yesterday to accommodate the addition of utilityman Mike Freeman, whose contract was selected to the 40-man roster before last night’s game against the Phillies. Lefty Cionel Pérez has been optioned to Triple-A Louisville to create active roster space.

Cincinnati acquired Freeman, 33, from the Indians in a minor trade in March. He picked up two plate appearances in last night’s game, finishing the night on the mound as the Reds tried to preserve their bullpen arms amidst a 14-run loss. That marked Freeman’s sixth consecutive season logging some big league time, the bulk of which came between 2019-20 in Cleveland. Freeman owns a .234/.316/.331 line in 349 big league plate appearances. He’s been off to a tough start with Louisville, hitting just .204/.316/.306 over sixteen games.

Héctor Pérez, who’ll turn 25 this week, originally signed with the Astros as an international amateur. The Blue Jays acquired him as part of the Roberto Osuna deal at the 2018 trade deadline, and he spent the next few seasons in their system. Pérez made his MLB debut with Toronto last year, averaging 95.7 MPH on his fastball and showing a mid-80s slider. The Reds acquired him for a player to be named later or cash considerations in January.

Unfortunately for Pérez, his control has evaporated in the early going this season. Across 8 2/3 Triple-A innings, he’s allowed nine runs on eight hits and an alarming eleven walks. The Reds will now have a week to trade him or place him on outright waivers. Pérez is in his final minor league option year, so any acquiring team could shuttle him back-and-forth between the big leagues and Triple-A for the rest of this season.