The Reds sent infielder Ivan Johnson outright to Triple-A Louisville, relays Charlie Goldsmith of Charlie’s Chalkboard. Cincinnati never officially designated Johnson for assignment but apparently placed him on waivers this week.

Johnson, 28 next week, was Cincinnati’s fourth-round pick back in 2019. The switch-hitter had some prospect buzz early in his time in the Reds’ system, with some scouts projecting him as a bat-first utility player. Johnson has posted solid offensive numbers in the minors but struggles with contact against higher level pitching. He also hasn’t really found a defensive home.

Cincinnati called Johnson up for the first time at the end of June. He was up and down on a couple occasions but never got much of a look. The Atlanta native went 1-16 with three walks and seven punchouts in his first 19 plate appearances. His lone knock was a single off Gavin Williams in late July. Johnson had a solid but not elite season with Louisville, hitting .247/.354/.424 with 11 longballs and 15 stolen bases over 273 trips to the plate.

This is Johnson’s first career outright assignment, so he can’t immediately elect free agency. That’s a mere formality, though, as he’ll hit the market at the beginning of the offseason as a seven-year minor league free agent. He’s likely looking at minor league offers, and Cincinnati could try to bring him back on a non-roster invite to Spring Training.