The Reds added a pitcher and an infielder to the roster on Tuesday afternoon as September roster moves began to roll in ahead of their game against the Padres.
Left-hander Brandon Williamson came off the 6-day injured list, while Juan Brito was recalled from Triple-A Louisville.
Williamson had put together enough of a spring to earn a spot in the Opening Day rotation, but his season turned quickly after six starts in the first month. The shoulder injury that sent him to the injured list came after a rough stretch in which he went 2-3 with a 6.11 ERA. In 23 1/3 innings, he struck out 19 batters, walked 18, and posted a 1.64 WHIP.
His rehab work with Louisville has also come with uneven results. Over five starts, Williamson allowed 10 runs on 19 hits in 14 2/3 innings. The command problems have stayed in place, with 10 walks and just 11 strikeouts during that span.
Brito arrives after being acquired by Cincinnati at the trade deadline when the Guardians designated him for assignment. The 24-year-old saw action in 15 games with Cleveland this season and hit .176/.250/.255 with four extra-base hits and no home runs.
His production has not taken a big step forward in Louisville, either. In 22 games with Triple-A, Brito is batting .232/.300/.341 with five extra-base hits.
Unless injuries create more openings, Brito is expected to see limited playing time with the Reds.
Before the season, Baseball America ranked him as Cleveland’s No. 16 prospect. The publication described him this way: "Brito is a 6-foot, 202-pound switch-hitter who, when at his best, shows a solid blend of contact, patience and pop," Baseball America's scouting report read.
"Without elite bat speed, Brito needs to be dialed into his swing decisions and timing, and when he was on the field in 2025 he regressed in both those areas-causing some regression across the board in his batted-ball inputs. His aggressiveness was perhaps the most striking difference in 2025, and Brito both swung more frequently and expanded the zone more frequently against a variety of pitch types."
Brito has played first base, second base and third base this season.
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Votto also made clear he is still interested in what comes next, whether that is in baseball operations or a coaching path. The key for him, though, is finding a role with real influence, not a part-time or advisory job that leaves him on the outside looking in, and that makes his future around the game a question worth watching. [Read more 🡒]