Cincinnati Reds Activate Utility Infielder Jack Hannahan

Sep 11, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Jack Hannahan (9) is congratulated by shortstop Zack Cozart (2) after a three-run home run off Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (not pictured) in the sixth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

He may not be Ben Zobrist, but Cincinnati Reds utility infielder Jack Hannahan has been mentioned in team and fan circles during recent weeks as a player who could help plug some of the holes created by injuries and poor play that have ravaged the 2014 season.  Now, according to Major League Baseball’s transaction feed on Twitter, Hannahan may finally be available:

Hannahan had surgery on his shoulder last October and has spent all season rehabbing, only coming off the disabled list today after taking batting practice with the team on Saturday.  With such a prolonged absence, the Reds probably can’t expect Hannahan to come in at full speed right away, but there has never been a better time for the addition of some versatility.

Cincinnati is without its regular first baseman (Joey Votto) and second baseman (Brandon Phillips), and shorstop Zack Cozart has not recorded a hit since July 18.  In his career, Hannahan has logged time at first, second, third, shorstop, and DH, so he definitely gives manager Bryan Price some flexibility.

In all honesty, Hannahan has never been even an above-average everyday player, and at 34 he won’t make any quantum leaps in performance.   Still, he can fill in at multiple positions and maybe buy the Reds some time in making long-term roster decisions.  Hopefully his presence will ease some of the pressure on general manager Walt Jocketty to trade for a “name” player at the deadline this week, surely giving up a couple of prospects in the process.