Reds Option Cingrani, Call Up Soto

Before you freak out and threaten Dusty Baker and Walt Jocketty with their lives read this.

Jul 14, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Tony Cingrani (52) pitches in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Cingrani was optioned to the Reds Rookie Arizona Summer League team, he will make his next scheduled start Tuesday in San Francisco. After his start he will be sent back to Arizona.

By optioning Cingrani the Reds can then call up a bat from the minors or a relief pitcher.

The club has already said that Neftali Soto an infielder for Reds Triple A affiliate Louisville has been called up for the next 4 games. Soto is batting .278 with a .319 OBP in Louisville. He has 11 homeruns and 45 RBI on the season. Not stellar numbers but maybe he can spark something for the Reds.

Once Cingrani is called back up on Tuesday Soto has to be sent down then can not be called back up again. The Reds will then send Cingrani back down on Wednesday while calling up a relief pitcher up or Henry Rodriguez.

The Reds are obviously trying to somehow spark a struggling offense. This could be the answer but it may just be a slight improvement over what the club already has.

Cincinnati opens up the second half of the season at GABP tomorrow night against the Pittsburgh. Cincinnati needs a sweep to get back in the divisional race.

Mike Leake is on the mound facing Francisco Liriano. The growing rivalry between the two clubs will certainly rear its head at some point.