The Reds selected Higgins' contract from Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.
The 33-year-old was designated for assignment by Cincinnati last Wednesday, but he'll get another look in the majors with Jose Trevino (hamstring) landing on the injured list. Higgins went 2-for-10 with a walk and an RBI over six games during his previous stint in the majors this season. He'll serve as the backup catcher to Tyler Stephenson while Trevino is sidelined.