Reds Make Roster Move, Recall Versatile Player From Triple-A Louisville

The Reds announced the news on Sunday afternoon.

Aug 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Michael Toglia (48) leaves the trainer after diving foe a ball against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Injuries continue to pile up for the Cincinnati Reds. Just two days after Spencer Steer announced he would miss the rest of the season, infielder/outfielder Michael Toglia was placed on the injured list with a right shoulder dislocation, retroactive to August 22.

In a corresponding roster move, they recalled infielder/outfielder Ivan Johnson from Triple-A Louisville.

Toglia suffered the injury during Saturday’s game against the Diamondbacks, with his shoulder remaining out of place until it was eventually put back in. X-rays came back negative, and while Toglia will need additional testing, manager Terry Francona indicated there is at least some optimism that the injury may not be as serious as it initially appeared.

“They put it back in, and there’s some thought that he might be OK,” Francona told MLB.com’s Patrick Brown. “It seems hard to imagine, but they can’t get an MRI tomorrow like they need to, so it’s going to be kind of on how he feels.”

Toglia Encouraged by How Shoulder Feels

Aug 17, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Michael Toglia (48) scores on a two-run single hit by outfielder Hector Rodriguez (not pictured) in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When the injury happened, it looked bad. Even Reds broadcaster Jeff Brantley said it reminded him of the injury Matt McLain and Edwin Arroyo suffered, which caused them to miss an entire season.

Despite the painful nature of the injury when it happened, Toglia also offered an encouraging update afterward.

“It’s definitely pretty sore from being out of place, but I’m not in any pain right now, and the gentle range of motion looked fantastic,” Toglia said. “The whole time walking off the field it was out, and that was pretty painful. I definitely couldn’t move my arm.”

For now, Johnson will take Toglia’s spot on the active roster as Cincinnati waits for more answers on the severity of the injury.

Johnson Brings Versatility to the Reds

Jul 28, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Ivan Johnson (63) leads off from third in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Johnson has played 12 games for the Reds this season, going just 1-for-12 with two walks, six strikeouts, and two stolen bases.

However, he does bring a lot of versatility defensively. Johnson has played left field, second base, third base, and center field this season.

Johnson likely won’t see a ton of starts or regular playing time, but his defensive versatility and speed give Francona another useful option off the bench, whether it’s filling in at multiple positions or pinch-running late in games.

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