Juan Castro DFA'd

The Reds designated Juan Castro for assignment Monday, promoting Jerry Hairston Jr. from Louisville to take his place.

Obviously the move eliminates a black hole on the Reds' bench, something that was long overdue. I figured Castro would at least make it to whenever Alex Gonzalez is well enough to come back, which wasn't good because it looks like it might be a while before Gonzo is back. This move ostensibly gives the Reds a righthanded power bat off the bench, although Hairston would have had a big league job in the spring if he was that great. He tore it up in spring and was off to a great start in Louisville, though, which is better than the alternative.

The Reds won't be looking for Hairston to save the season, but at the plate he'll be a better alternative than Ryan Freel or Norris Hopper as the RH PH and will bring more to the table than, well, nothing, which is what Castro was bringing. This is a good move that was long overdue.