Cincinnati Reds: Prospect acquired for Jay Bruce called up to big leagues

The Cincinnati Reds announced Friday they have called up Dilson Herrera.

If that name sounds familiar, it's because he was the main piece in the Jay Bruce trade two years ago with the New York Mets.

If it doesn’t, that’s because he hasn’t done much since joining the organization.

RELATED: Assessing what the Reds got for Jay Bruce

He was expected to contend for playing time at second base last year, but a shoulder injury wrecked his chance in spring training.

A second baseman with some power, the 24-year-old has hit .297 with nine homers and 35 RBIs this season while splitting 71 games between Louisville (Triple-A) and Daytona (advanced Class A).

His .818 OPS is the highest mark he has put up since an .899 showing in 2015 when he was still a Mets prospect.

Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com notes Herrera has been hot since the start of June, hitting .330 and getting on base at a .417 clip while logging 12 extra-base hits.

In 49 major-league games, he has hit .215 with six homers and 17 RBIs. He has struck out 40 times in 149 at-bats with 18 walks.

Since Herrera previously played parts of the 2014 and ’15 seasons with the Mets, this call-up means he is out of options.

Therefore he can’t be sent back down to the minors without clearing waivers, so he could be a Red for the rest of the season.

As noted yesterday, the Reds have some things to sort out in the infield over the next year or so.

They have capable (at least) major-league players at second base, third and shortstop with several players moving up through the organization.

Ironically, Herrera's call-up comes one day after the Reds released Max Wotell, a left-handed pitcher who was the other player acquired for Bruce.

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