I suspect you’re right as to the Reds plan. It’s not a wise plan if you ask me. if Garcia only gets a few weeks in the minors, they shouldn’t bother, just start him in the bigs.
Guy never played AA or AAA, give the pitchers a chance to adjust to him, for Garcia to adjust back. Either do the seasoning right, or don’t do it at all.
But I suspect the Reds will be champing at the bit to bring up Garcia, and will do so after the first sign of some offensive prowess.