Derek Dietrich granted release from Reds

by — July 20, 2020 in Transactions

Reds fan favorite Derek Dietrich had an opt-out clause in his contract — common for former major leaguers who sign to minor league deals — and exercised it. Dietrich had been sidelined after testing positive for the coronavirus before the training camps resumed. He had rejoined the team last week and played a bit in yesterday’s game at first base.

The Reds announced the 31-year-old Dietrich’s release a few minutes ago.

According to MLB rules governing the 2020 season, the Reds can not re-sign Dietrich now that he’s been taken off the 60-man roster. Dietrich becomes a free agent, able to sign with any of the other 29 teams.

Dietrich had played six years for the Miami Marlins before being non-tendered prior to the 2019 season. The Reds signed Dietrich and he played 113 games last year, hitting .187/.328/.462. He’ll be remembered for hitting 17 of his 18 home runs before May 28, his heroics on Opening Day, his 25 HBP and triggering a brawl with the Pirates after Chris Archer threw behind the Reds second-baseman.

That fight produced this masterpiece:

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Steve Mancuso

Steve Mancuso is a lifelong Reds fan who grew up during the Big Red Machine era. He’s been writing about the Reds for more than ten years. Steve’s fondest memories about the Reds include attending a couple 1975 World Series games, being at Homer Bailey’s second no-hitter and going nuts for Jay Bruce at Clinchmas. Steve was also at all three games of the 2012 NLDS, but it’s too soon to talk about that.

1 Response

  1. Brian Van Hook says:
    July 20, 2020 at 2:32 PM

    Haha, well, you have to give Puig at least partial credit there too. He didn’t start the fight, but he wouldn’t let it end, either.

    Raley gets Schebler’s spot on the 40-man, and Jones will need somebody else’s. But with lefties Schebler and Dietrich gone, I hope it lets Payton stick around a few more weeks. Would hate to lose him, then have an injury occur where he could have been useful and maybe stick around for the season.

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