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BREAKING: Reds demote slugger after brutal 2025 cameo to reinstate Connor Joe to roster

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After spending nearly two weeks on the injured list, Cincinnati Reds utility player Connor Joe has been activated and rejoined the roster. To make room, the team has optioned outfielder Rece Hinds to Triple-A Louisville following his recent struggles at the major league level.

Joe was originally placed on the 10-day IL on June 25 due to a bout with hand, foot and mouth disease. In his absence, the Reds called up Ryan Vilade from Triple-A Louisville, though Vilade has since been sent back down. Now, Hinds will also head to Louisville after a difficult run with the big-league club.

Rece Hinds is the #16 prospect in the Cincinnati Reds system! - Red Reporter

Reds demote Rece Hinds after brutal 2025 cameo to reinstate Connor Joe to roster

Rece Hinds has had a tough time finding his footing in the majors this season. The 24-year-old outfielder is batting just .119 with a .425 OPS over 14 games for the Reds.

Rookie Rece Hinds homers as Reds power past Rockies | Reuters

After being called up from Triple-A Louisville on June 22, Hinds played in seven games, managing just two hits in 23 at-bats while scoring four runs. This marked his second stint with the big-league club in 2025—his first came in May, when he went 3-for-19 but did flash some power with two home runs. Between those two brief MLB appearances, Hinds excelled in Triple-A, posting a scorching .381/.435/.683 slash line in June.

He made headlines during his initial MLB debut in July of last year with a historic first week—blasting five homers, three doubles, and a triple to become the first rookie in league history to record three home runs and eight RBIs in his first five games. But the hot start quickly cooled. Hinds followed it up by going just 1-for-12 with five strikeouts, which led to a demotion. He was later recalled in August but saw limited action, going hitless in eight at-bats with three walks and three strikeouts.

Rece Hinds' go-ahead two-run homer (1) | 05/08/2025 | Cincinnati Reds

While Hinds still shows flashes of promise, it’s evident he needs more time to develop. In contrast, Connor Joe provides the Reds with more immediate stability. Since being acquired from the Padres earlier this season, Joe has hit .245 with a .304 on-base percentage and four extra-base hits—making him the more reliable option for Cincinnati at this point.

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