Cincinnati Reds News & Notes 05/08/2026

The Cincinnati Reds currently hold a 20-18 record and sit in last place in the NL Central. The last 24 hours included a series sweep in Chicago. There was also a concerning injury to rookie starter Rhett Lowder.

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MLB Game Recap

The Reds suffered their seventh consecutive defeat. They lost 8-3 to the Cubs, sealing a four-game sweep at Wrigley Field. Rhett Lowder took the loss, pitching a line of 3.0 IP, 3 ER, 1 H, 1 K, and 4 BB on 59 pitches before exiting with right shoulder tightness. The game turned in a disastrous seven-run fourth inning for Chicago. This was fueled by a bases-loaded miscue. Catcher Tyler Stephenson failed to apply a tag at home.

Standout Performer

Sal Stewart provided a bright spot in the loss, finishing 1-for-4 with a solo home run and one RBI. His 393-foot blast in the sixth inning ended Shota Imanaga’s 12-inning scoreless streak. It provided the Reds’ first run of the day. Stewart currently leads the team with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs on the season.

Key News & Notes

Rhett Lowder is scheduled for an MRI on Friday to determine the extent of his right shoulder discomfort. The team is already without closer Emilio Pagan. He is expected to miss 4–8 weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. In positive news, Tejay Antone made an emotional return to the big leagues Wednesday night. He tossed a perfect eighth inning with two strikeouts. It was his first appearance since 2024.

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Farm Report

Triple-A: Edwin Arroyo went 4-for-5 with a home run and a triple in game two of a doubleheader. However, the Louisville Bats were swept by Nashville. The loss kept the Bats close in the standings as Arroyo extended his hitting streak to nine games.
Double-A: Shane Sasaki went 2-for-5 with a home run. This performance helped lead the Chattanooga Lookouts to a 4-3 victory over Montgomery. The Lookouts overcame five errors to secure the win behind a strong bullpen effort.

High-A: Kien Vu went 1-for-4. He hit a three-run home run and stole a base in the Dayton Dragons’ 8-5 win at West Michigan. Dayton has now hit eight home runs over their last four games.
Low-A: Cano finished a perfect 3-for-3. He hit a triple, a double, and had three RBIs. The Daytona Tortugas beat Clearwater 9-4. Daytona’s offense exploded for 14 hits to secure the win at home.
ACL: Anielson Buten went 3-for-5. He hit two doubles and an RBI. However, the ACL Reds ultimately fell 7-6 to the Giants in 11 innings.

Looking Ahead

The Reds return home tonight to face the Houston Astros with Nick Lodolo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) set to make his season debut. He will be opposed by Mike Burrows, who enters the contest with a 1-4 record and a 5.97 ERA.

The losing streak is heavy. However, getting Nick Lodolo back on the mound tonight provides a much-needed boost for a depleted rotation. What do you think?