Russell

Branyan

Branyan had surgery in December to repair a torn labrum. He’s due back in early May.

Larson still has options, and could be sent down when Branyan returns. Branyan wouldn’t be an ideal solution, but his power potential will keep him in business.

Branyan will never win a batting title, but he has enough power and takes enough walks to post a nice OPS. Working against him is manager Ned Yost’s personal history with Helms.

It’s possible that Ruben Mateo will be sent through waivers once Branyan returns. The Reds plan to give their reserve outfielders some extra playing time over the next week to decide which ones should be kept.

Branyan will either have to do the rest of his rehab with the Reds, or at extended spring training (probably the latter). He’s still working to get his throwing arm in shape after October shoulder surgery.

Branyan, who had surgery on his right shoulder in October, is swinging well enough to play right now, but his throwing arm isn’t 100 percent.

“If a quality third baseman somehow becomes available, we’ll listen,” GM Dan O’Brien said. “We have to.” Since none of the free-agent third baseman would seem to fit into Cincinnati’s plans, it’s safe to assume that O’Brien is talking about a trade possibility. Considering that the Reds have little flexibility and a desperate need for pitchiing, it’s quite unlikely that they’ll be able to upgrade at third.

The Reds originally hoped to have Branyan back this week, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.

The shoulder hasn’t bothered his hitting. Branyan is hitting .364 at Triple-A, but he can’t make throws comfortably yet. ''I definitely don’t want to be playing left field when the game is on the line, and not be able to make the proper throw that I need to,’' Branyan said.

Branyan is expected to be used as a designated hitter until next week. He’s probably about two weeks away from rejoining the Reds.