Article LinkCruz signed: After originally being pessimistic a deal could be reached, the Reds announced that outfielder Jacob Cruz agreed to a Minor League contract Wednesday. Cruz, who led the Major Leagues in 2005 with a club-record 20 pinch hits, will be invited to Spring Training as a non-roster player.
Making room: The Reds released pitcher Randy Keisler on Wednesday in a move to clear space on the 40-man roster before Thursday's Rule 5 Draft. Keisler was 2-1 with a 6.27 ERA in 24 games, including four starts, in 2005.
Cincinnati now has 39 players on its roster and is slated to pick eighth in the Rule 5 Draft.