CINCINNATI -- Reds top prospect and outfielder Taylor Trammell was one of the breakout stars of the SiriusXM MLB Futures All-Star Game in 2018. Trammell, who hit a home run and a triple to be the contest’s MVP, has been given the opportunity to return and represent the organization.

Trammell was picked for the National League squad for this year’s Futures Game, to be held in Cleveland on July 7.

“He’s a great athlete with a great work ethic. Every time you see him, he continues to show you something that impresses,” Reds vice president of player development Shawn Pender said on Saturday.

The Futures Game, now in its 21st year, is an annual showcase for some of the top talent in the Minors. For the first 20 years, the prospects were divided into two teams -- U.S. vs. World -- for nine innings. This year, the format has been changed to American League vs. National League in a seven-inning game. Four-time All-Star Dennis Martinez will manage the NL Futures Team, while Hall of Famer Jim Thome leads the AL squad.

Trammell, 21, is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Reds’ No. 1 prospect and No. 27 overall. It’s been a challenging 2019 season, as he entered Saturday batting .239/.363/.324 with four home runs, 28 RBIs and 14 stolen bases.

A left hamstring strain and sore wrist have hampered Trammell’s production somewhat. He was activated from the injured list on Thursday.

“It’s an important year for a young man in Double-A,” Pender said. “There are a lot of adjustments to be made. There are growing pains, but we’re optimistic that progress is going to continue.

“He’s not just gifted as an athlete, he’s a great teammate with personality and a work ethic. He’s figuring things out in Double-A like they all do.”

Garrett appreciates Lorenzen
Reds lefty Amir Garrett has been one of baseball’s best relievers this season and came into Saturday with a 1.78 ERA, which leads all NL pitchers with at least 35 innings. But during Friday’s 6-3 win over the Cubs, Garrett appreciated a big assist from Michael Lorenzen.

With one out in the eighth inning, Garrett walked Kris Bryant and hit Anthony Rizzo with a pitch to bring the potential tying run to the plate. Manager David Bell summoned Lorenzen from the bullpen, who got Javier Baez to ground into a fielder’s choice. Willson Contreras ended the inning by hitting a hot grounder off Lorenzen to second baseman Scooter Gennett, who threw to first base.

A thrilled Garrett was the first player out of the Reds' dugout, waiting for Lorenzen with a chest bump and a hug.

“That’s just me being into the game, cheering my teammates on and letting him know I appreciated what he did,” Garrett said on Saturday. “Michael coming in and cleaning up my mess like that, it’s big time. That was the game right there. They could have come back and tied it. Michael got out of it after I put him in that situation. You never want to put your teammates in that situation to overcome. It’s just awesome to see a teammate pick you up like that. I try to do it for people and people try to do it for me. It’s just amazing.”

Former first rounders released
The Reds parted ways with a pair of right-handed pitchers and former first-round selections this week.

Nick Travieso, the 14th overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, was released on Friday after he battled shoulder injuries that caused him to miss the entire 2017 and ’18 seasons after reaching Double-A. He was three games into this season with Rookie-level Billings and gave up six earned runs and five walks over three innings.

The 19th overall selection in 2014, Nick Howard, also was released this week. Howard posted a 5.55 ERA over 101 Minor League games and was with Double-A Chattanooga.