The Reds aren't waiting until the trading deadline to trim fat from their roster. Matt Kemp, who like Yasiel Puig and Alex Wood are only under contract for 2019 and could leave the Reds through free agency.
Although Kemp was an All-Star last season, the 34-year old is being released to allow the young Reds outfielders to learn on the job. It really has nothing to do with Kemp's slow start of .200 batting average over 20 games and 60 at bats. He hit one home run and drove in five runs. Kemp is not the only player to start slowly. The team has the lowest batting average in Major League Baseball at .210.
The Reds don't see Kemp as part of their future. With the ascension of 23-year old Nick Senzel, the Reds have decided Kemp was not in even their near future plans.
"Just looking forward we didn't see a great for Matt here," said David Bell of the outfielder who is on the injured list with a broken left rib. "We made the decision and didn't want to delay the decision. We're not satisfied by where we are but at the same time, we're not at the point where we have to shake things up."
The demotion of Scott Schebler is also not a sign of a shakeup according to Bell. Schebler was booed while striking out in critical situations in the Reds' 12-11 loss to the Giants on Friday night. His average dipped to .123 in 30 games with 112 at bats. He hit two home runs and drove in seven. His on-base-percentage was down to .253.
"It is really what's best for Scott," Bell said. "We believe in him and we need him. He just has to keep going. He can go down and make adjustments with more playing time."
The Reds recalled left-hander Cody Reed from Louisville. Reed pitched 14 innings in 11 games at Louisville. Reed has a 1-2 record with a 3.21 ERA with 19 strikeouts and six walks.
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