The Cincinnati Reds have made a significant roster move as they prepare for a crucial three-game series against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. The team has called up outfielder Carlos Jorge, who is ranked as their No. 16 prospect, adding youthful energy to their lineup at Great American Ball Park.
In a corresponding move, infielder Ivan Johnson has been sent back to Triple-A Louisville. This marks Johnson's third demotion this season, as he has struggled to find playing time, recording only five plate appearances since his return to the major leagues on August 23.
Manager Terry Francona has confirmed that Jorge, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday in a few weeks, is set to take over center field duties for the Reds. Francona has praised Jorge's work ethic, stating, "Kind of a kid who, nothing was given to him, he just kind of played his a** off." This sentiment reflects the Reds' strategy of evaluating young talent as they look toward the future.
September is a critical month for the Reds, as they are not only focused on winning games but also on assessing their younger players, including Edwin Arroyo, Héctor Rodríguez, and Juan Brito. Francona emphasized the importance of this evaluation process, noting that it will help the team set up for next year's spring training. "You certainly want to win every game you can; that’s the objective. You also try to set yourself up for next year," he explained.
Jorge has already made a positive impression during spring training, where he had the opportunity to showcase his skills. He expressed his excitement about joining the major league team, stating, "If you have a dream, go for it. Last year, I wasn’t thinking that I was gonna be here in the big leagues (in 2026). Don’t stop dreaming, play hard and do your best. At the end of the day, God is going to give you what you’ve worked for." This determination is reflected in his impressive minor league statistics, where he has hit over .300 and stolen 33 bases this season.
In addition to Jorge's promotion, the Reds are also set to welcome back Graham Ashcraft to their bullpen. Ashcraft, who has been recovering from a right UCL sprain that placed him on the 60-day injured list in May, is expected to be activated on Sunday, September 6. In his 26 appearances this season, he has recorded a 3.33 ERA with a win-loss record of 1-1 and one save, providing the Reds with much-needed depth as they face a challenging stretch of games against top teams.
As the Reds navigate the final stretch of the season, the integration of young talent like Carlos Jorge and the return of experienced players like Graham Ashcraft will be crucial in their efforts to compete in the highly competitive NL Central.
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