Former Detroit Tigers utility man Ryan Vilade was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, while the Reds visit Comerica Park for a three-game series.

Cincinnati claimed the 26-year-old right-handed batter after he was designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday. Vilade spent seven games in the majors for the Cardinals after signing a minor-league deal last November.

Vilade spent 2024 with the Tigers after agreeing to a minor-league contract ahead of the season. His contract was selected in May by Detroit and he made his first MLB start in nearly three years on May 7 against Cleveland.

Across two stints in the majors that year, Vilade slashed a meager .178/.208/.244 with one home run and five RBI in 17 games.

The 2017 second-round pick out of Stillwater High School (OK), would be removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple A at the end of the season. He elected free agency before signing with St. Louis.

Prior to his time with the Tigers, Vilade spent the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate after a waiver claim.

The Colorado Rockies — who drafted Vilade — gave him his first taste of the big leagues with a three-game stretch in September 2021. He never caught on with the club that selected him, though, and he began his search for a new opportunity.

While Vilade’s never quite stuck in the majors, his career .272/.353/.406 slash line at the Triple-A level continues to provide him opportunities.

Vilade was optioned to Triple-A by the Reds and will hope to prove himself again as a major-league ready utility man with career reps at every position aside from the battery unit.