Reds release Kemp, demote Schebler

The Cincinnati Reds on Saturday released outfielder Matt Kemp, who had been a disappointment since being acquired in an offseason deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Cincinnati also demoted former 30-homer man Scott Schebler to Triple-A Louisville.

The moves come one day after the Reds recalled top prospect Nick Senzel. He made his major league debut in center field on Friday night and went 1-for-5 with two walks in a 12-11, 11-inning loss to the San Francisco Giants.

Kemp, a three-time All-Star, was batting just .200 with one homer and five RBIs in 20 games with the Reds, who are managed by David Bell.

"With our support, David is working hard to create a new environment in the clubhouse and on the field," Reds president Dick Williams told The Cincinnati Enquirer. "After giving it time to develop, we didn't see Matt fitting in. We wanted to give him the opportunity to help another team."

The 34-year-old Kemp last played for the Reds on April 21, when he suffered a broken left rib after colliding with the left field wall in San Diego while trying to catch a two-run double hit by Padres outfielder Wil Myers.

Kemp batted .290 with 21 homers and 85 RBIs for the Dodgers last season. He was traded to Cincinnati in December as part of the deal in which the Reds landed outfielder Yasiel Puig.

Cincinnati also recalled left-hander Cody Reed from Louisville. Reed was 1-2 with a 3.21 ERA in 11 appearances.

Reed has spent part of the last three seasons with the Reds and is 2-11 with a 5.65 ERA in 39 career appearances (18 starts).

--Field Level Media