CINCINNATI — The Reds sent struggling left fielder Jonny Gomes to Washington for two minor leaguers on Tuesday, a move that opens an outfield spot for one of their best young hitters.

Former first-round pick Yonder Alonso was called up from Triple-A to take Gomes’ spot, giving the defending NL Central champions another left-handed hitter who can play left field and back up Joey Votto at first base.

The Reds obtained minor league left-hander Chris Manno and outfielder Bill Rhinehart from Washington. Cincinnati included money in the deal to pay part of Gomes’ salary.

“For us, it’s a tough move to make in some ways because Jonny was a big part of our club last year, a guy that obviously we all think of highly as a person and a player,” general manager Walt Jocketty said. “It gives us an opportunity to bring Alonso up and start looking at a couple of guys that could get an opportunity.”

The 24-year-old Alonso was the seventh overall pick in the June 2008 draft. A career first baseman, he got stuck behind Votto and was moved to left field. He batted .296 with 24 doubles, 12 homers and 56 RBIs in 91 games at Triple-A Louisville, playing 21 games at first and 62 in the outfield.