Former SF Giants infielder Jason Vosler designated for assignment by Reds

Former SF Giants infielder Jason Vosler flashed brilliance early this season with the Reds, but was DFA on Monday.

Former SF Giants infielder Jason Vosler was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds on Monday. Vosler had gotten off to a scorching hot start with his new team, but had fallen into a slump over the past couple of weeks.

SF Giants infielder Jason Vosler tosses his bat after earning a walk. (2022) / Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The corner infielder, who the Giants also experimented with at second base, shortstop, and even left field, signed a minor-league contract with the Seattle Mariners this offseason before being released by them and picked up by the Reds. He impressed in his spring training showing, hitting .263/.341/.526 and earning a spot on their Opening Day roster.

In his first 15 plate appearances, he hit 3 booming home runs, using his power effectively. But in his last 50 plate appearances, he's been unable to match that clip, striking out 20 times and batting just .106. With only one minor league option left, he will need to find a new team via a trade or clear waivers before signing a new contract. 

In 97 big league games, a majority with the Giants, he's seen 258 plate appearances - with only a .210/.279/.408 slash as a result. The Reds, who are 7-15, look to fill his spot with a consistent bat in Henry Ramos, older brother of Giants' prospect Heliot Ramos (Giants #17 prospect).

Vosler's tough break comes in a long line of struggles - a career minor league third baseman stuck behind the likes of Kris Bryant and Manny Machado, he was never afforded an opportunity for the Cubs or Padres. When he signed with the Giants, where he split his time between the big leagues and Triple-A, they pushed him to improve his fielding versatility, as they often do with prospects they're looking to utilize creatively.

Despite Vosler's decent overall resume for the Giants, they chose to prioritize other players for their big league roster like LaMonte Wade Jr., who is hitting a modest .216 average this year but has managed to get on base at an astounding rate in his 71 plate appearances. 

Despite Jason Vosler's brilliant early start for the Reds, the former SF Giants infielder is back on the waiver wire. He will look to find a new home on an MLB roster and bring his power back to the plate.