Reds activate Jose Trevino, option PJ Higgins to AAA Louisville

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Reds activated catcher Jose Trevino from the injured list after a back issue sidelined him since April 4. PJ Higgins was optioned to AAA Louisville to make room for Trevino, who is expected to enhance the team's pitching performance.

Key points

Jose Trevino activated from injured list
PJ Higgins optioned to AAA Louisville
Trevino's return aims to improve pitching performance
Trevino has been out since April 4 due to back issues
He previously caught Brady Singer, improving his performance

Cincinnati Reds

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 04: Emilio Pagán #15 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates with Jose Trevino #35 of the Cincinnati Reds after the win over the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on April 04, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cincinnati Reds continued their roster revamp on Sunday morning, activating catcher Jose Trevino off the injured list after he’d been out of action at the big league level since back on April 4th. Trevino, 33, has logged just 12 PA so far this season as a back issue has been dogging him since the first week of the season. To date, he’s just 1 for 11 with a walk and 3 K, though last year provided evidence that his value comes in ways much more nuanced that just with the bat. He’s an accomplished defender and manager of the pitching staff, and hopefully getting him back in the mix will help solidify a starting rotation that’s had some serious bumps through the first month of the season. PJ Higgins was optioned back to AAA Louisville to make room on the roster, as the Reds relayed – with a sidenote that pitcher Nick Lodolo was sent out to begin his own rehab assignment. Trevino notably caught more often than not during the 2025 season, starting 22 of the 32 games in which the former righty started. In those 22 games, Singer allowed opposing hitters just a .701 OPS, whereas he yielded an .863 OPS ing the 6 games started by . His 3.58 ERA and 2.74 K/BB were also notably better when pitching to Trevino than when he pitched to Ty Steves (6.14 ERA, 1.42 K/BB). It was less pronounced with , who was excellent regardless last year, but the southpaw did yield a lower OPS to opposing batters in the 10 games he threw to Trevino (.602) than he did when pitching to Stephenson 18 times (.668). That’s not to say that having Trevino back will completely solve all issues those two starters have faced so far in 2026, but the hope is that it sure won’t hurt to have his game-calling back in the mix. Trevino will be right back in action on Sunday, as he’s in the starting lineup slated to catch righty for the second time this year. In their first outing together, Lowder fired 6.0 IP of scoreless ball against the Texas Rangers back on April 4th.

Q&A

Why was Jose Trevino activated by the Cincinnati Reds?

Jose Trevino was activated to bolster the team's roster after recovering from a back injury that kept him out since April 4.

What impact does Jose Trevino have on the Reds' pitching staff?

Trevino is known for his defensive skills and effective game-calling, which could improve the performance of the starting rotation.

Who was optioned to AAA Louisville to make room for Trevino?

PJ Higgins was optioned to AAA Louisville to create space on the roster for Jose Trevino.