Reds Snag Toglia Off Waivers: Can He Unlock Massive Power?
Cincinnati Reds Shake Up Roster: Toglia Called Up, Lodolo Returns, Greene Out for Year
What Happened on Tuesday?
The Cincinnati Reds made several big moves on Tuesday to shake up their roster. Think of it like a teacher rearranging seats in a classroom — some players moved up, some moved down, and some are out for the rest of the year.
Quick Summary of Moves
- Called up: Michael Toglia (1B/OF) from Triple-A Louisville
- Activated: Nick Lodolo (LHP) from the 15-day injured list
- Moved to 60-day IL: Hunter Greene (RHP) — season-ending UCL surgery
- Sent down: Zach McCambley (RHP) and Ivan Johnson (IF/OF) to Triple-A
Meet the New Guy: Michael Toglia
Who Is He?
Michael Toglia is a 27-year-old switch-hitter (he bats both lefty and righty) who plays first base and outfield. The Colorado Rockies picked him in the first round of the 2019 draft out of UCLA.
His Big League Track Record (2022–2025 with Colorado)
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Games | 116 (in 2024) |
| Home Runs | 25 (in 2024) / 42 (career) |
| Batting Average | .201 (career) |
| Strikeout Rate | 35% (very high) |
| Walk Rate | 9.5% |
Key Takeaway: Toglia hits the ball hard and far, but he also swings and misses a lot. Think of him like a home run derby slugger who strikes out in between the big hits.
Why the Reds Signed Him
- Colorado cut him loose this past winter
- Cincinnati signed him to a minor league deal (low risk, high reward)
- He crushed it in Triple-A this year:
- .273/.373/.547 slash line
- 22 home runs in just 402 plate appearances
- Walk rate jumped to 13.9% (career best)
- Strikeout rate dropped to 25.6% (still high, but better)
Where Will Toglia Play?
The Reds have some open spots right now:
- Nathaniel Lowe was traded to the Guardians at the deadline
- Spencer Steer (utility man) is out with a wrist injury
Competition for At-Bats
Toglia isn’t walking into a guaranteed starting job. He’ll share time with:
- Sal Stewart — Rookie of the Year candidate
- Eugenio Suárez — Veteran presence
Platoon Note: Toglia hits similarly from both sides historically, but this year in Triple-A he’s actually been better as a lefty batter.
The Clock Is Ticking: Club Control & Options
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Club Control | Reds control him through 2026 + 4 more years if he sticks |
| Options | Out of options — if he doesn’t make the team, he must be designated for assignment (DFA’d) |
Translation: This is his audition. Seven weeks to prove he belongs in the majors for good.
Nick Lodolo Returns: The Lefty Ace Is Back
What Happened?
Lodolo missed a month with blister trouble on his pitching hand — a recurring issue for him.
How Was He Pitching Before the Injury?
- Overall 2026 ERA: 4.60 (not great)
- Last 4 starts before IL: 1.35 ERA (dominant!)
- 2025 Season (Career Best): 3.33 ERA, 24.3% K-rate, 4.8% walk rate, 156⅔ innings
Injury History: Blisters, shoulder, and back problems have followed Lodolo his whole career. When healthy, he’s a top-tier starter. Staying healthy is the challenge.
Why Lodolo’s Return Matters So Much
The Rotation Crisis
Hunter Greene is getting UCL surgery (Tommy John) — out for the rest of 2026 and most/all of 2027.
Projected 2027 Rotation (As of Today)
| Pitcher | Status |
|---|---|
| Nick Lodolo | Lock (controlled through 2027) |
| Chase Burns | Lock |
| Andrew Abbott | Lock |
| Rhett Lowder | Struggling (5.26 ERA in 89 IP) |
| Brady Singer | Free agent after 2026 |
| Depth Arms | Injured or ineffective (Petty, Williamson, Aguiar, Franco) |
Bottom Line: The Reds need Lodolo to pitch like his 2025 self. He’s one of only three sure bets for next year’s rotation.
Step-by-Step: How the Roster Moves Work
- Hunter Greene moved from 15-day IL → 60-day IL (opens a 40-man roster spot)
- That spot goes to Michael Toglia (contract selected from Triple-A)
- Nick Lodolo activated from 15-day IL (needs active roster spot)
- Zach McCambley optioned to Triple-A (opens active spot)
- Ivan Johnson optioned to Triple-A (opens active spot)
- Toglia and Lodolo now on active 26-man roster
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "selected the contract" mean?
It means Toglia wasn’t on the 40-man roster before. The Reds added him to it, which also puts him on the active 26-man roster. He’s now a major leaguer again.
What is the 60-day IL vs 15-day IL?
- 15-day IL: Short-term injury, player stays on 40-man roster
- 60-day IL: Long-term injury, player comes off the 40-man roster (freeing a spot)
Why does "out of options" matter?
Players have 3 "option years" where teams can send them to minors without risk. Toglia used his up. If Reds send him down now, any team can claim him (waivers).
Can Toglia play outfield too?
Yes! He’s listed as 1B/OF. Gives the Reds flexibility to rest outfielders or use him as a defensive sub.
Is Lodolo guaranteed to start?
Yes, barring another injury. With Greene out and rotation depth thin, he’ll get every chance to lock down a spot.
Summary
The Reds are betting on upside with two moves:
- Michael Toglia — Power bat with swing-and-miss concerns, getting a 7-week audition to earn a 2027 roster spot
- Nick Lodolo — Talented lefty returning from blisters, now critical to the 2027 rotation with Hunter Greene lost for the year
Both players have something to prove and limited time to prove it. The final seven weeks of 2026 just got a lot more interesting in Cincinnati.