The Reds finally gave the nod to last year's Minor League Player of the Year when they called up outfielder Jay Bruce from Triple A and designated first baseman Scott Hatteberg for assignment on Tuesday.

Bruce, who many think has the potential to a Hall of Fame caliber player, has been ripping the cover off the ball all year long in Louisville.

In 49 games with Louisville this season, Bruce led the International League with a .364 batting average and 67 hits. The outfielder also had 10 home runs, 37 RBIs and an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.023. Since May 3, Bruce was batting .456 (36-for-79), with 13 multihit games in his past 20.

"He was ready for some time, but we wanted to give him more time and give more opportunities to the guys we have here," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "When Jay comes up, he'll play a lot. We wouldn't bring him up and not play him."

Hatteberg played in 34 games this season for the Reds, batting just .173. He was 9-for-52 at the plate with seven RBIs. The 38-year-old became expendable when Joey Votto showed he could handle everyday duties at first base.

Is this the right time for the move?

There are many that believe that Bruce should have been given the centerfield job right around of spring training. However, the Reds opted to sign Corey Patterson to a one-year deal and to start Bruce in Louisville.

Through nearly two months of baseball though Patterson has been ineffective, leaving the Reds to turn the young slugger.