The Reds are set to continue the MLB Speedway Classic on Sunday, but they’ve made a notable roster change, sending one of their key players back to the minor leagues for the third time this season.
Will Benson, a 27-year-old outfielder from Atlanta who joined the team in 2023, is returning to the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats, effective immediately. This marks his third stint with Louisville this season.
Benson began the 2025 season with the Bats, but was called up to the Reds for one game against the San Francisco Giants, where he unfortunately struck out four times. He returned to the Bats afterward but was permanently elevated back to the Reds’ roster in early May, quickly finding his rhythm by hitting five home runs in four games against the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago White Sox.
Now in August, following the MLB trade deadline, the Reds have strengthened their lineup by acquiring several new players, including Miguel Andujar, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Zack Littell. Among these moves, the signing of Andujar appears to have impacted Benson’s playing time the most, as both players occupy the left field position.
Andujar made a brief debut in the outfield during the Speedway Classic in Bristol, Tennessee, right before the game was postponed due to rain. He was obtained from the Athletics in a last-minute trade for right-handed pitcher Kenya Huggins on July 31, marking the end of the MLB trade window for the 2025 season.
In addition to sending Benson down, the Reds have announced that Lyon Richardson will be promoted from the Bats to serve as a relief pitcher for the remainder of the Speedway Classic game.
The game resumed at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway, concluding with a 4-2 victory for the Atlanta Braves over the Reds.
