Fairchild is out of options, so he’ll join the major league club. That seems like bad news for Bryan De La Cruz, who does have options and who fills a similar role as a platoon outfielder against left-handers. It’s possible the Braves could demote Eli White instead, but that seems unlikely. Fairchild, 29, hit just .215/.286/.368 for the Reds last season, but he was still a surprise exclusion from this year’s roster. He’s a lifetime .248/.346/.409 hitter against lefties, and he’s a big defensive upgrade from De La Cruz.

The move opens up a spot on the active roster for Jacob Hurtubise. Fairchild will now hit waivers, and a team looking for a potential bat off the bench could show interest. It’s just as likely — if not more so — that he goes unclaimed and reports to Triple-A Louisville.

The 28-year-old outfielder is sidelined with a left thumb sprain and wasn’t going to make it back before the end of the season, so the Reds decided to move him to the 60-day IL and free up a spot on their 40-man roster to add Evan Kravetz to the bullpen mix on Wednesday. Fairchild should be fully recovered and ready to go for the start of spring training.

Fairchild remains a non-factor for fantasy purposes, but he’s been a valuable bench outfielder for Cincinnati the past couple years. No word yet on his exact return timetable, but he’s probably going to miss at least a couple weeks.