Reds Release Henry Rodriguez

It was a difficult decisions for Reds' management but they released Henry Rodriguez on Monday.

Rodriguez, a 24-year old from Venezuela, has been in the Reds' organization since signing as an amatuer free agent in 2007.

Rodriguez, who the players called 'Pollo', played in 21 games for the Reds, 12 in 2012 and nine last season.  He hit .174 with no home runs and two RBI in those 21 games.

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The infielder could hit but was a little deficient with the glove.  He hit .297 in seven seasons in the Reds' minor league system.  His best season was with Bakersfield in 2011. That season, Rodriguez hit .340 with eight home runs and 44 RBI.

His release was the biggest surprise among the 16 players who were either optioned, reassigned or released.

"The only surprise was Henry Rodriguez," manager Bryan Price said. "We all think very highly of Henry. He was well liked in the organization and is a great kid. We felt like he wasn't going to get the same kind of playing time, coming off the roster.  It wasn't right to ask him to change roles and be a support player.  I imagine someone will sign him quickly and get a chance to play in another organization."

Other prospects have passed Rodriguez in the system.  Those players will get the playing time.

Rodriguez played in 10 spring games with three singles in 16 at-bats.  The small spring sample doesn't tell the story.  Rodriguez can hit but his defense is not up to major league standards.