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REDS BLOG

Adam Duvall called up to Reds, playing time will be limted

John Fay
jfay@enquirer.com
Adam Duvall was called up from Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

CHICAGO — Adam Duvall, one of the two players the Reds got in the Mike Leake trade with San Francisco, was called up from Triple-A Louisville Monday.

Duvall takes Brennan Boesch's spot on the roster. Boesch was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right ankle on Sunday.

Duvall has been playing left field since the Reds traded for him.

"It's been going good," he said. "I played it some before. I'm trying to make the most out of it."

"He's been introduced to the outfield in Louisville," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "But he's primarily played first and third. As we know with (Joey) Votto and (Todd) Frazier, there aren't going to be a ton of at-bats at those two positions. We'll find a way to get him some at-bats as a pinch-hitter and potentially play a bit of outfield."

Duvall's struggled at the plate since the trade. He's hit .189 in 25 games with the Louisville. He's hit .264 with 30 home runs and 87 RBI overall. His 30 home runs are tied for the third most in the minors.

"When we got him I think he was leading the (Pacific Coast League) in home runs and RBI," Price said. "He's a power hitter. He's a guy who can hit some home runs and doubles."

Duvall is from Louisville. He played of the University of Louisville.

"I was excited to get home and play in front of friends and family," Duvall said. "That was exciting."

Duvall played 28 games with the Giants last year. He hit .192 with three home runs and five RBI.

CALL-UPS: Tuesday is the day the active roster expands. Price made it sound like the Reds will only be getting a player or two.

"Right now, particularly with the pitching, it will be what we need," Price said. "As long our bullpen is relatively rested, we'll keep most of our guys in Louisville until their season is over.

"Position player-wise, there will be another guy or two (Tuesday)."

Louisville's season goes until Sept. 7.

Price would not say who will be called up. Catcher Kyle Skipworth is likely one of the call-ups. Either Kristopher Negron or Kyle Waldrop would likely get the other spot – unless the Reds make a 40-man roster move.

Yorman Rodriguez is on the 40-man but he's out with a calf strain.

"As far as who has 100 percent chance that they'll be here, I'd be reluctant to say," Price said. "Our primary needs – barring any injuries to position players – is going to be pitching.

"We're not just going to need pitchers. We're going to need guys who can throwing innings. It's important that (David) Holmberg go down and pitch well because he'd be a good option to come back as a starter. I think Brandon Finnegan would be an option because he has some innings left."

Top prospect Robert Stephenson is under consideration.

"It's going to be important for him to build up his innings," Price said. "So he can be a consideration for next year – either compete for a spot on the team or come up at some point and pitch through September. I'd like him to be more conditioned to do that."

6-MAN ROTATION: With an all rookie rotation and innings limits looming, the Reds are looking at all options.

"We're kicking around some thoughts," Price said "We're looking at a six-man rotation with all the rookies. You don't want to turn this into a like a spring training feel or an Instructional League feel in terms of how you preset your innings.

"One of other options is to divide game. For me, I'd much rather go with a six-man rotation."