The Cincinnati Reds activated right-hander Alexis Diaz, infielder Matt McLain, and outfielder Austin Hays ahead of their series opener against the Seattle Mariners, ensuring a full roster of key players for the first time this season. Diaz, recovering from a left hamstring strain, joins a Reds team that has won five of its last six games, including a recent series sweep against Pittsburgh. McLain, who missed last year due to a shoulder injury, returns after batting strong at the start of the season with three home runs in four games and will play second base in Tuesday’s game.
Hays, making his Reds debut as a designated hitter after signing a one-year, $5 million deal during the offseason, missed the first 16 games due to a left calf strain. In corresponding moves, outfielder Jacob Hurtubise and infielder Noelvi Marte were optioned to Triple-A Louisville to accommodate McLain and Hays, while Diaz fills the spot left by left-hander Sam Moll, who was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left shoulder impingement. The Reds look to capitalize on their strengthened lineup as they face the Mariners in the upcoming series.