The Cincinnati Reds currently hold a 35-37 record, placing them fifth in the NL Central standings. In the last 24 hours, the club secured a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets. This victory clinched the series and moved them within reach of a .500 record at home.
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MLB Game Recap
Cincinnati started strong with a four-run first inning. Sal Stewart and Spencer Steer hit home runs. Their efforts spoiled the return of Mets starter Kodai Senga. Reds starter Brady Singer earned the win. He pitched five innings of one-run ball. He struck out five while navigating three hits and three walks. The bullpen held onto the lead. This was despite a two-run pinch-hit blast by Mark Vientos. Tony Santillan recorded his fourth save in the ninth.
Standout Performer
Sal Stewart anchored the offense, finishing 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBIs, one run scored, and one walk. His team-leading 14th home run was a three-run blast in the opening frame. It provided an immediate cushion. He later added a crucial insurance RBI single in the fifth inning. Stewart’s production changed the contest. He drove in 80% of the team’s runs.
Key News & Notes
Shortstop Elly De La Cruz will start a rehab assignment this Thursday with Triple-A Louisville. He might return to the major league lineup as early as June 23. In additional roster news, the Reds are currently managing a lengthy injured list. This list includes starters Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft. Both are on the 60-day IL. During Tuesday’s game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was ejected in the seventh inning. This occurred after a dispute with the home plate umpire. The disagreement was about a walk to JJ Bleday.
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Farm Report
- Louisville Bats (AAA): The game was suspended in the fourth inning due to rain. The score was tied 0-0. The Bats will resume play against Gwinnett as part of a Wednesday doubleheader.
- Chattanooga Lookouts (AA): Carlos Jorge went 3-for-5 with a double. He achieved his 22nd stolen base of the season in a 5-3 win over the Smokies.
- Dayton Dragons (A+): Carter Graham dominated by going 4-for-5. He hit two home runs, including a grand slam. Graham scored six RBIs to lead an 8-2 victory over Peoria.
- Daytona Tortugas (A): Henry Hunter provided the hardest hit of the night with a 111.2 MPH double during a 10-3 loss to the Mets.
- ACL Reds (Rookie): Naibel Mariano went 3-for-4 with a home run. He also hit a double and drove in four RBIs. The Reds’ offense exploded for 19 hits in a 13-7 win over the Rangers.
Deep Dive: 5 Reds players who could be traded if Cincinnati’s playoff hopes disappear
The Reds find themselves in a precarious position as the trade deadline approaches. They are currently treading water in the division race. Additionally, they are dealing with significant injuries. By early August, the team needs to improve. If they don’t, Nick Krall, the president of baseball operations, may consider trading at least five key players. Catcher Tyler Stephenson is a primary candidate. He is an impending free agent. He has improved his defensive work with the ABS challenge system. Hence, he would be a valuable target for contenders needing a backstop.
The bullpen also features tradeable assets. Left-handers Brock Burke and Caleb Ferguson are included. Both pitchers could bolster a contender’s staff for the stretch run. Nathaniel Lowe is another likely candidate. This is regardless of the team’s record. His position is seen as redundant given the presence of Spencer Steer and Sal Stewart. The emergence of Michael Toglia in the minor leagues contributes to this redundancy. Perhaps the most significant potential chip is starter Nick Lodolo. While Lodolo remains under team control for another season, his career has been defined by injuries and inconsistent performance. He is a high-value but risky asset that Cincinnati might move before the upcoming CBA negotiations.
Looking Ahead
The Reds aim for a series sweep Wednesday at 12:40 p.m. ET, sending Nick Lodolo (2-1, 5.21 ERA) to the mound against the Mets’ Nolan McLean (3-4, 4.01 ERA).
Consistency has been a struggle. However, sweeping the Mets would make a massive statement. This would happen before Elly De La Cruz begins his rehab path. What do you think?
