Reds Send Ivan Johnson to Triple-A Louisville, 3 Options That Could Replace Him

The Reds announced the roster move on Monday afternoon.

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

The Cincinnati Reds sent infielder/outfielder Ivan Johnson to Triple-A Louisville on Monday. They've yet to announce a corresponding roster move, but are expected to do so Tuesday afternoon.

In 12 games with the Reds, Johnson went 1-12 with no extra-base hits and two stolen bases.

Let's take a look at three options who could replace Johnson on the roster.

Michael Toglia

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Michael Toglia (48) and infielder Leo Balcazar (85) celebrate a 5-4 win against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Reds signed Michael Toglia to a minor league deal in the offseason. He's been terrific for Triple-A Louisville this season, slashing .273/.373/.547 with 22 home runs. He is also walking nearly 14% of the time, and perhaps even more impressive, unlike many other Reds prospects we've seen come up lately, he is chasing less than 25% of the time. Not only do his traditional numbers look good, but the underlying metrics show plenty of promise as well. Toglia can provide some much-needed pop off the bench, something the Reds desperately need right now.

Edwin Arroyo

Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) slides into second as Cincinnati Reds second baseman Edwin Arroyo (2) attempts to tag the bag but is late in the fifth inning between the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Edwin Arroyo was just recently sent back down to Triple-A Louisville, so it would be a bit of a surprise to see him get the call. However, if the Reds are ready to admit the postseason is no longer realistic and want to use the rest of the season to get their young players more reps, bringing Arroyo back could make sense.

It's been a tale of two leagues for Arroyo in 2026. In 61 games with Triple-A Louisville, Arroyo has been crushing the ball, slashing .313/.374/.554 with 13 home runs.

In 44 games with the Reds, he slashed just .244/.286/.282 with no home runs and was walking just over 3% of the time.

Juan Brito

Apr 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Juan Brito (34) hits a double against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Reds acquired Juan Brito from the Cleveland Guardians last week when he was designated for assignment. Brito appeared in 15 games for Cleveland this season, slashing just .177/.250/.255.

His numbers at Triple-A are better, but they certainly don't jump off the page at you. In 88 games in Triple-A, Brito is slashing .236/.347/.388 with 31 extra-base hits and seven stolen bases. Brito would bring defensive versatility as he's spent time at first base, second base, and third base this season.

My Pick

Cincinnati Reds infielder Michael Toglia (48) poses for a portrait during the Cincinnati Reds picture day, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Cincinnati Reds player development complex in Goodyear, Ariz. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Toglia seems like the no-brainer pick here. He provides pop, which the Reds desperately need more of. His underlying numbers look promising. And the Reds currently do not have a backup first baseman on the roster. Toglia feels like the obvious choice and he should be the one getting the call to Cincinnati on Tuesday afternoon.