Connor

Joe

McKenzie headlines a group of 19 players who elected minor league free agency earlier this week, including catcher Matt Thaiss; infielders Scott Kingery, Keston Hiura, Sergio Alcántara, Terrin Vavra and Vimael Machín; outfielders Jose Siri, Connor Joe and Jordyn Adams; and relievers Noah Davis, Scott Blewett, Brooks Kriske, Kevin Herget, Cionel Pérez, Darren McCaughan, Richard Lovelady, José Ruiz and Jordan Weems.

Joe figures to elect free agency and wind up finding another opportunity in the coming hours ahead of the September 1 deadline for postseason eligibility. The 33-year-old went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment this weekend.

It’s ostensibly a one-for-one swap with trade acquisition Miguel Andujar replacing Joe on Cincinnati’s active roster ahead of Saturday’s game against Atlanta.

It sounds like just a one-day thing, but since a player can only spend three days on the paternity list and Friedl wasn’t going to be available today, a move needed to be made. Once Friedl is activated, Connor Joe figures to lose his spot.

Fraley was found to have a tear in his right shoulder, but since it’s not his throwing shoulder, he thinks he can play through it and have surgery after the season. He’ll probably be activated as soon as Thursday or Friday, which could lead to a demotion for Connor Joe or Christian Encarnacion-Strand.

Joe, who was out with hand, foot and mouth disease, will probably see some time in right field against lefties, though he’s been a liability in that role so far. He’s hit .207/.273/.276 in 66 plate appearances this season.

No word yet on how much time Joe is going to wind up missing. The 32-year-old veteran has occupied a bench role this season for Cincinnati and can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats.

Hays thinks he’ll be back before the end of the current series against the Guardians. Connor Joe could be sent down to make room for him. Will Benson and Spencer Steer might both be in line to lose some playing time.

Steer is finally starting to show some signs of life at the dish, hitting .315 (17-for-54) with one homer and one steal over his last 15 games, following an ice-cold start to the year. The 27-year-old dealt with shoulder issues during spring training, which may have contributed to his early struggles. It’ll be Connor Joe filling in at the cold corner on Sunday afternoon.

Gavin Lux is also getting the night off. Benson takes a seat with lefty Bailey Falter toeing the rubber for Pittsburgh on Tuesday night. The 26-year-old power/speed combo outfielder has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball of late, batting .478 (11-for-23) with five homers and one steal over his last seven games. It’ll be Connor Joe in right field with Tyler Stephenson getting a break from catching to occupy the DH spot on Tuesday evening.