Garrett

Hampson

Hampson had an absolutely miserable time in limited big league action between the Reds, Cardinals and Diamondbacks in 2025 — slashing .143/.250/.169 with zero homers, one RBI and a 29/11 K/BB ratio over 91 plate appearances. He’ll add depth for the Reds.

The 30-year-old was designated for assignment earlier in the week after hitting .103/.133/.138 with a 13/1 K/BB ratio in 31 plate appearances with the Cardinals. He’s now free to latch on elsewhere, on what will almost assuredly be a minor league contract.

Hampson went 3-for-29 with one RBI and one steal during his 2 1/2-month stay in St. Louis. He’s hit .143/.250/.169 in 91 plate appearances for the Diamondbacks, Reds and Cardinals this season.

That will clear a spot on the active roster for the return of Alec Burleson from the injured list. The team will also select the contract of Nick Raquet from Triple-A Memphis, taking the roster spot of Andre Granillo who was optioned out following Sunday’s game. Hampson has hit just .143/.250/.169 in 91 plate appearances between the Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Reds this season.

It looks to be nothing more than a routine night off for the speedy 24-year-old outfielder. Scott has done a decent job for the Cardinals this season, slashing .235/.319/.323 with four homers, 28 RBI and 22 stolen bases across 299 plate appearances. Garrett Hampson will draw a rare start in center field in his stead and will bat ninth against Cubs’ southpaw Matthew Boyd.

Burleson and Nootbaar take a seat for Sunday afternoon’s matinee with lefty Logan Allen on the mound for Cleveland. It’ll be Brendan Donovan and Garrett Hampson in the corner outfield spots with rookie Thomas Saggese getting an opportunity at the keystone.

Hampson heads to his third organization this season after getting into only nine games for the division-rival Reds. The versatile 30-year-old utility specialist opened the year with the Diamondbacks before being cut loose in mid-May. He’ll occupy a bench role for St. Louis.

Cincinnati has decided to move on from Hampson after the versatile 30-year-old batted .167 (3-for-18) during a nine-game stint with the club. It’ll be Rece Hinds getting another chance in the big leagues in his place.

Every Reds fan should be furious that a hitter as weak as Hampson is on the roster at all, much less batting against a right-hander while the team is down one run in the ninth. Terry Francona, though, wasn’t willing to pinch-hit Matt McLain, and Hampson struck out to end the game. He’s hitting .167/.231/.167 in 13 plate appearances since being added 10 days ago. Dating back to last year, he’s gone 63 plate appearances without an RBI.

He’s expected to play in the three games before then. Garrett Hampson will probably get a couple of starts while De La Cruz is absent this weekend for the series against the Diamondbacks.