Cincinnati Reds place Jonathan India, Mike Moustakas on the 10-day IL

SAN DIEGO – Five days after Jonathan India exited a game with a hamstring strain, the Cincinnati Reds put him on the 10-day Injured List.

The Reds wanted to give India every opportunity to avoid the IL, especially with the team's offensive struggles, but it was determined Tuesday he needed more time to rest his hamstring. Mike Moustakas, who was scratched from Monday's lineup, was also added to the 10-day IL with a right biceps strain.

Outfielder TJ Friedl and infielder JT Riddle were called up from Triple-A Louisville to fill spots on the roster.

“I think all along it was a little bit of a longshot to get (India) back before 10 days," Reds manager David Bell said. "We had a few days where it was worth waiting because we’re still going to get him back on the same day, which is (April 26). It was worth waiting it out. He’s just so important to our team."

Bell had already ruled India out from starting a game before Friday, so the difference between the IL and staying on the bench may mean only three games this weekend, assuming India is ready to return April 26.

India participated in pregame activities Monday, including hitting batting practice on the field, playing catch and some jogging exercises with the training staff. It just wasn’t enough to remain on the active roster for the upcoming week.

"I feel great," India said. "Honestly, if it was up to me, I'd play today. But all I can do is get better and healthier. The reasoning is I haven't built up to what I'm supposed to be at. If they want me to take this weekend and build myself up back to being the player that I am because I'm not just going to go out there and play 80%. I feel great. It's just early in the year and it's a better decision for me, honestly, instead of blowing it out."

It's the first time India has landed on the IL in his Major League career. It was rare to see him exit a game, never coming out when he was hit by a league-leading 23 pitches last year.

"I could've went back out there, but I was kind of scared, honestly," India said. "It was the first time I was ever scared to go back out there. I didn't want to blow it out. I've never had a hamstring injury. It's a little bit more serious than I thought. It's something I should take care of rather than go out there and be my normal self."

Moustakas is out until at least April 28 with his biceps injury, which happened on a hyperextended swing. Moustakas was re-examined Tuesday after he missed Monday's game.

“There’s enough concern to put him on the 10-day IL, but we don’t think it’s something that’s going to keep him out long term," Bell said.

Friedl, who hit leadoff Tuesday, was 7-for-37 (.189 batting average) at Louisville with one homer, three RBI, nine walks and 10 strikeouts. He gives the Reds another left-handed hitter, which became more valuable when Moustakas went on the IL and Tyler Naquin was placed on the COVID-related IL because of an illness. Naquin did not test positive for COVID.

Riddle has spent five seasons in the big leagues and signed a minor-league deal with the Reds on March 26. The Frankfort, Kentucky native was 8-for-31 (.258) at Louisville with two doubles and two homers.

"(Riddle) has experience, has played all the infield positions," Bell said. "That’s why you sign guys like this because there’s a need. I thought we did a nice job of picking him up."

The list of Reds players on the IL grew during the first inning Tuesday when Tyler Stephenson sustained a concussion and was subsequently placed on the 7-day concussion list. Catcher Mark Kolozsvary, who was on the taxi squad, replaced Stephenson on the roster.

The Reds have 13 players on the IL, which is the most in the Majors, and it has severely restricted their options on the 40-man roster. The three players on the Reds’ 40-man roster who remain in the minor leagues are right-hander Jared Solomon (Double-A Chattanooga), right-hander James Marinan (High-A Dayton) and outfielder Allan Cerda (Dayton).

“We just move forward," Bell said. "You deal with this kind of stuff playing this game. It’s a physical game. Guys get injured. We’ve had a few all happen the same day, which makes it a little more challenging, but nothing we haven’t faced before.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Jonathan India, Mike Moustakas placed on IL; Friedl, Riddle called up