Reds claim Asdrúbal Cabrera off waivers
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MIAMI -- Asdrúbal Cabrera has made five postseason appearances, and in this, his 15th Major League season, he now has an opportunity to add another. Cabrera was picked up off waivers by the Reds on Friday to strengthen the team’s chances of earning the final Wild Card spot in the National League.
Claimed by Cincinnati after the D-backs placed him on waivers, Cabrera will most likely join the team in Miami for Saturday’s game, according to manager David Bell.
“We’re adding a player that has a lot of experience,” Bell said. “Experience in big games and [with] good teams, great reputation.”
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Cabrera was claimed prior to Sept. 1, meaning he is eligible to play in the postseason should the Reds advance.
Though mainly used off the bench as a pinch-hitter, Bell said that Cabrera will have opportunities to start games -- mainly at the corner-infield spots.
“We’re just really happy to be able to add a veteran -- experienced -- player, especially with where we are right now and where we’re headed this last month," Bell said.
The switch-hitter adds versatility off the bench, giving Bell options in the later innings.
“It is nice having a switch-hitter; just an extra element that gives you both options, especially as a pinch-hitter,” Bell said. “It just gives you a little more flexibility. The fact that he’s a switch-hitter is important, but mainly just his experience -- we’ll be excited to add on when he gets here.”
His ability to hit left-handed pitchers was surely a key that attracted the Reds, who, as a team, haven’t had the same success. Cincinnati is hitting just .231 against southpaws this season -- the lowest mark in the NL -- while Cabrera hit .290 against lefties in 93 at-bats for Arizona.
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The Reds will pick up around $358,000 of his $1.75 million contract, which concludes at the end of this year. Cabrera will turn 36 in November. Cincinnati will be the eighth Major League team he will have played for.
Originally signed in 2002 by the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent, Cabrera has totaled 1,761 career hits. The two-time All-Star hit .286 (6-for-21) to help the Nationals win the '19 World Series.