Prior to the Rule 5 Draft, the Cincinnati Reds optioned back-up infielder Tony Renda to Louisville, leaving Jose Peraza has the only true back-up infielder on the roster for a week. They shows a ton of faith in Dilson Herrera to become the second baseman, whether Brandon Phillips gets traded or injured. The Reds have since added Josh VanMeter from the San Diego Padres.
Renda was given a chance to get a leg up in winning the utility man role for 2017. He started games in left field, right field, second base, and third base in his first taste of the majors in 2016.