CINCINNATI - The Reds tried to strengthen their bench Sunday by acquiring infielder D'Angelo Jimenez from the Chicago White Sox for a minor league pitcher.

Jimenez, 25, was designated for assignment on Wednesday, after the White Sox overhauled their roster by acquiring outfielder Carl Everett and second baseman Roberto Alomar.

The Reds were looking for someone to replace outfielder Wily Mo Pena, who went on the disabled list Saturday with a stained hamstring. Pena was a seldom-used player off the bench, going 3-for-35 with 15 strikeouts.

Jimenez will be a backup who can play third base, second and shortstop.

''He has a pretty good on-base percentage,'' general manager Jim Bowden said. ''He gives us a switch-hitter coming off the bench. We have some guys on the bench that strike out a lot, and this gives us a choice of a guy who can put the ball in play.''

The Reds already have Barry Larkin, Juan Castro and Ray Olmedo as middle infielders.