Reds add Lopez for catching depth, option Renda

PHOENIX — This time when catcher Raffy Lopez was summoned from Triple-A Louisville, he could actually put on a big uniform and stay for a while. Lopez had his contract selected Saturday, while infielder Tony Renda was optioned to Louisville.

The Reds needed a catcher because Tucker Barnhart is bothered by a right hand contusion and is day-to-day. Lopez will back up the backup catcher, Ramon Cabrera.

“It’s just one of those things, you’ve got to have somebody who can catch and throw and hit in those worst-case scenarios,” manager Bryan Price said. “And if Tucker is out for more than a day or two, Raffy is going to have to play to give Ramon a break.”

Barnhart, who was hit on the hand by a bat last week vs. the Dodgers, felt better, but is still dealing with swelling and soreness that makes it difficult to grip a bat or throw. He was scratched from Friday’s lineup, but X-rays were negative.

“It should be a couple of days before I get back in the lineup, so I’ll just aggressively hit it in the training room, …

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