Reds Sign Ryan Vilade, Part Ways with Jacob Hurtubise: What This Means for the Team

The Cincinnati Reds recently made a roster change, claiming infielder/outfielder Ryan Vilade from the St. Louis Cardinals. As part of this move, Vilade has been sent to Triple-A. To clear space on the roster, the Reds designated outfielder Jacob Hurtubise for assignment.

Vilade’s journey has had its ups and downs. He was added to the Cardinals’ roster after showing solid performance at Triple-A Memphis, where he batted .280 with a .375 on-base percentage in 192 plate appearances. Still, his time with the Cardinals was brief; he managed just one hit in 15 plate appearances.

Throughout his pro career, Vilade has struggled to find consistent success in the majors. His stats show a stark contrast: while he has a .141 batting average in 71 plate appearances across 27 big-league games with the Rockies, Tigers, and Cardinals, he boasts a much stronger .272 average over 2,093 appearances in Triple-A. This inconsistency raises questions about what he needs to break through to regular playing time in the big leagues.

Interestingly, Vilade has experience at multiple infield positions, including first, second, and third base. This versatility could enhance his value to big league teams like the Reds, especially with their outfield, which has a high number of left-handed hitters. His right-handed bat might be a needed addition.

On the other hand, Hurtubise’s time with the Reds has also been challenging. The young outfielder has struggled at the plate, posting a batting average of just .167 in his 83 major league appearances. Though he made the Reds’ Opening Day roster, he hasn’t been able to capitalize on that opportunity.

An undrafted free agent in 2020, Hurtubise had a promising start but has had a rough time at Triple-A this season, hitting only .144. Despite impressive speed and a history of stealing bases—124 steals in 147 chances in the minors—his declining numbers have made him an expendable piece in the organization’s 40-man roster.

This situation illustrates the unpredictable nature of baseball careers. Expert sports analysts often point out that a player’s success in the minors doesn’t always translate to the majors. Factors such as team needs and personal performance can heavily influence opportunities.

In the digital age, fans’ reactions on social media offer real-time insights into how these changes are perceived. Many Reds fans have expressed mixed feelings about the team’s roster decisions, reflecting the passion and scrutiny that comes with following a professional sports team.

As teams continue to build their rosters, changes like these remind us of the challenges players face while trying to secure their spots. The coming weeks will reveal if Vilade can prove himself worthy of more time in the majors, while Hurtubise’s future remains uncertain.



Source link

jacob hurtubise,ryan vilade