The Reds optioned Benson to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.
Benson was recalled by the Reds on Tuesday and started in left field against the Giants on Wednesday, when he struck out in all four at-bats. Benson will return to Triple-A as Cincinnati activates Andrew Abbott (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move.
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Reds' Will Benson: Makes first start after call-up
Rotowire
Benson started in left field and went 0-for-4 in Wednesday's 8-6 loss to San Francisco.
Benson struck out swinging four times -- three whiffs and one foul tip -- in his season debut after being called up from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. He swung the bat well for the Bats, but Wednesday's effort was reminder of his struggles in 2024, when Benson struck out 39.7 percent of the time against major-league pitching.
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Reds' Will Benson: Joining big-league club
Rotowire
The Reds recalled Benson from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old missed out on Cincinnati's Opening Day roster but will join the active roster with Carson Spiers being demoted and Matt McLain (hamstring) heading to the injured list. Benson had a .650 OPS in 128 games last season and will likely operate as a reserve outfielder.
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Reds' Will Benson: Relegated to Louisville
Rotowire
The Reds optioned Benson to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.
Benson had a pretty underwhelming season with the Reds in 2024, slashing .187/.274/.376 with 14 homers, 43 RBI and 16 stolen bases over 128 games. He managed to bounce back during Cactus League play, posting an .853 OPS over 30 plate appearances, though 10 of those plate appearances ended in strikeouts. He'll head to Triple-A for now, though Benson could return to Cincinnati if he gets hot or outfield depth becomes an issue.
Benson was not part of Cincinnati's Opening Day roster projection compiled by C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic.
Benson dropped off a cliff in 2024, posting a .187/.274/.376 line over 388 plate appearances, which puts an MLB job in jeopardy. There are still some moving parts before manager Terry Francona settles on a 26-man roster, so Benson to the minors is not a done deal. His eventual assignment hinges on the health of Spencer Steer (shoulder), and whether the manager has Gavin Lux stick mainly to infield duty.
Benson reworked his swing during the offseason, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.
Benson needed to do something to become a more competitive option for the outfield in 2025. He batted .187 (.180 expected average) with a 39.7 strikeout percentage last year. Benson managed to provide some value with 16 steals, though finding playing time may be harder in this season. The Reds recently added outfielder Austin Hays and plan to move Matt McLain to center field; it will be hard for Benson to carve out a regular role with such a crowded mix in the outfield.
Benson went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday's 7-1 win over the Pirates.
Benson, who has started just five of 19 games this month, was in the starting lineup for a second straight contest. He singled, stole second base and waltzed home on an Elly De La Cruz home run. The stolen base was Benson's second in as many games and upped his season total to 16.
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Reds' Will Benson: Steals base in win
Rotowire
Benson went 0-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 8-3 win over Pittsburgh.
Benson walked to lead off the fourth inning, stole a base and came home on Tyler Stephenson's bases-loaded double. The swipe was Benson's 15th of the season and first in 25 games. His playing time has been erratic over the last few months due to a batting average that has remained below the Mendoza Line since June 19.
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Reds' Will Benson: Enters as pinch hitter
Rotowire
Benson entered Thursday's game as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-2 in a 15-3 loss to Milwaukee.
Benson, who struck out with a runner in scoring position, stayed in the game as the designated hitter. He had been dealing with a finger injury and hadn't appeared in a game since Sunday.
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