Cincinnati Reds News & Notes 05/06/2026

The Reds currently hold a 20-16 record after falling to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night. Cincinnati lost its fifth straight game in walk-off fashion in the last 24 hours. They also lost closer Emilio Pagán to a significant leg injury.

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MLB Game Recap

Cincinnati lost 3-2 in 10 innings. Michael Busch delivered a game-tying solo homer in the 8th inning. He also hit a walk-off RBI single in the 10th. Andrew Abbott was effective in his start, pitching 5.2 scoreless innings (5.2 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 4 K, 4 BB on 98 pitches). The bullpen could not hold a 2-0 lead. This lead was built on solo home runs from JJ Bleday and Nate Lowe. Tony Santillan blew the save, and Sam Moll took the loss.

Standout Performer

Nate Lowe was the bright spot in the lineup. He finished 2-for-4 with a 404-foot solo home run. He also scored a run. His sixth home run of the season gave the Reds a 2-0 cushion in the 6th inning. It provided the bulk of the team’s offensive production. This happened on a night where the club went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.

Key News & Notes

Closer Emilio Pagán is headed to the 15-day IL. He was carted off the field on Tuesday with a left hamstring injury. He suffered the injury on his first pitch of the 9th inning. To bolster the rotation, Nick Lodolo will make his season debut Friday against Houston. He will not have a pitch limit. This follows a successful rehab stint.

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Farm Report

Triple-A: The Louisville Bats game was postponed due to rain and will be made up as a doubleheader on Thursday.
Double-A: Chattanooga lost 9-3 to Montgomery; Cam Collier went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer, his fourth of the year.

High-A: Dayton won 5-4 over West Michigan. Yerlin Confidan led the way by going 3-for-5. He hit a double, stole a base, and had two RBI.
Single-A: Daytona beat Clearwater 9-8. Tyson Lewis went 3-for-6. He launched a walk-off three-run home run with two outs in the 9th.
Rookie (ACL): ACL Reds won 5-2; 2025 first-round pick Steele Hall went 2-for-4 with his first professional hit—a 110.9 MPH home run.

Looking Ahead

The series in Chicago continues today at 2:20 PM ET as Brady Singer (2-2, 5.57 ERA) faces Cubs Colin Rea (4-1, 4.41 ERA).

Losing the closer while on a five-game slide is a brutal blow. However, the impending return of Nick Lodolo offers a much-needed silver lining for the rotation. What do you think?