By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Seeking added versatility off the bench, the Reds scooped a utilityman off waivers Thursday.

Jason Romano, a 24-year-old outfielder/infielder, was claimed from the Devil Rays for the $20,000 waiver fee. To make room on the 25-man roster, infielder Ray Olmedo was optioned to Triple-A Louisville.

"Dave (Miley) and the coaching staff felt if they had an individual who was sort out of a Ryan Freel (mold) that that would give them more roster maneuverability later in the ball game," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said.

"As a result, when (Romano) became available on the waiver wire, we felt that was precisely the type of role he was capable of filling."

Romano, who will join the Reds today in Pittsburgh, batted .125 with one RBI in four games with Tampa Bay this season.

The Devil Rays acquired the right-handed hitter from the Dodgers for shortstop Antonio Perez on April 3 with the idea Romano could serve as a backup infielder. He was designated for assignment on Tuesday, and is out of options.

"He is primarily an outfielder who can play some infield on an emergency basis," O'Brien said. "He brings speed and he's only 24 years old."

Drafted by the Rangers with the 39th pick of the 1997 draft, Romano began the 2003 season on the Dodgers' Opening Day roster.

He played second base, center field and left field and batted .083 with two stolen bases in 37 games during four stints with Los Angeles.

This spring he led the Dodgers in batting (.379), hits (22), runs (16), doubles (five), home runs (five), RBI (14), steals (five) and slugging percentage (.724).

Olmedo was a defensive replacement in seven games and walked in his only plate appearance this season.

"It's tough. I've got a lot of good friends here," Olmedo said. "They want me to play every day and work on my swing."

Last season Olmedo started 52 games for the Reds, batting .239 with 17 RBI in 79 games.

"We all know that Ray Olmedo needs to get every-day at-bats and that wasn't going to happen up here," O'Brien said. "So it seemed like an opportune time to make the move."