Sampson was designated for assignment Wednesday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
The former fourth-round selection has had difficulty sustaining success at any level above Double-A, and with the Reds needing to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Drew Hayes, Sampson was an expendable piece. At just 25 years old with some untapped upside potentially remaining, Sampson could be quickly claimed off waivers by a team looking to add some pitching depth to develop further in the minor leagues. His time with the Reds, however, could be at an end.