BRISTOL, TN — The Cincinnati Reds are taking center stage on national television tonight in one of Major League Baseball’s most unique showcase events—the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s a spectacle unlike anything the sport has seen: a full-scale baseball diamond built inside a legendary NASCAR racetrack in Bristol, Tennessee. Not only is it the first-ever MLB regular-season game played in the state, but it’s expected to draw a massive crowd of over 85,000 fans.
As MLB rolls out the red carpet for this historic event, the Reds are making waves of their own with a flurry of roster moves—some expected, some surprising.
New arrivals Miguel Andujar and Zack Littell, both acquired at the trade deadline, have officially joined the team and are active for tonight’s game. Andujar, a power-hitting corner infielder and former Yankees standout, could make his Reds debut on the national stage. Littell, a right-handed starter, won’t pitch tonight, having just started on July 31 against New York. He’ll need a few more days of rest before he’s game-ready.
The Reds also welcomed back outfielder TJ Friedl, who returns from the restricted list after spending time on paternity leave to celebrate the birth of his child.
In total, Cincinnati added three players to the roster today—but thanks to MLB’s special allowance for 27-man rosters during marquee events, they only needed to clear two spots. Connor Joe, the versatile hitter and corner outfielder, has been optioned to Triple-A. He’ll be joined there by reliever Lyon Richardson, a righty who has seen limited action in the big leagues this season. Both moves were officially backdated to after the game on August 1.
The Reds now head into tonight’s high-profile game with a slightly new look, some fresh energy from their trade deadline additions, and a national spotlight that could be the perfect stage for a statement performance.
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