Ty France and Nick Martini refuse direct assignments from the Reds and become free agents – MLB

Photo: Canadian Press

CINCINNATI (AP) — First baseman Ty France and outfielder Nick Martini became free agents Friday when they opted out of assignments to Triple-A Louisville from the Cincinnati Reds.

Right-hander Tejay Antone, who has undergone his third elbow surgery, has accepted direct assignment to the Bats. Catcher Austin Wynns was also immediately sent to Louisville. Both were activated from the 60-day injured list.

France hit .251 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 179 at-bats over 52 games with the Reds, who acquired the 30-year-old from Seattle on July 29 in exchange for catcher Andruv Salcedo. Seattle agreed to send the Reds $1,294,758 as part of the deal, offsetting part of France’s $6,775,000 salary.

Martini batted .212 with five homers and 24 RBIs in 52 games. The 34-year-old hit twice and had five RBIs on Opening Day against Washington.

Antone, a 30-year-old right-hander, played four games before undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a tendon and ligament in his right hand. He had Tommy John surgery in April 2017 and August 2021.

Cincinnati also reported that right-hander Cristian Roa has been suspended by Miami. The 25-year-old, a second-round draft pick in 2020, was 4-4 with a 5.55 ERA in four starts and 19 appearances for Louisville.

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