The Cincinnati Reds currently hold a 39-44 record after falling further back in the NL Central standings. In the last 24 hours, the club started strong and had an early three-run lead. Despite this, they suffered a frustrating 5-3 comeback loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.
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MLB Game Recap
Starter Nick Lodolo was nearly untouchable through five innings, surrendering only one hit and striking out four Brewers. The Reds built a 3-0 lead behind an Elly De La Cruz home run. The bullpen faltered when Chase Petty allowed two runs in the sixth. Chase Petty also allowed a game-tying solo shot to Brice Turang in the seventh. Milwaukee completed the comeback in the eighth inning. Joey Ortiz hit a decisive two-out, two-run home run off Tejay Antone.
Standout Performer
Elly De La Cruz: 1-for-5, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI. De La Cruz played just his sixth game since returning from a hamstring injury. He provided the Reds’ only significant offense with a 412-foot two-run blast in the fifth inning. His elite power is vital for a team that struggled offensively during his absence. His presence at the top of the lineup is also crucial.
Key News & Notes
The Reds encountered a frightening situation in the fourth inning. Center fielder Dane Myers crashed into the wall while making a spectacular grab and was carted off. On a more positive note, the team is set to activate closer Emilio Pagán on Tuesday. Ace Hunter Greene will be playing this weekend against the Orioles. Meanwhile, Eugenio Suárez remains day-to-day with a hand injury. Sunday’s X-rays were inconclusive. He was scheduled for a CT scan in Milwaukee.
Farm Report
- Louisville Bats: The Bats head on the road for a series against Columbus.
- Chattanooga Lookouts: The Lookouts will be on the road against Biloxi.
- Dayton Dragons: The Dragons will host Lansing.
- Daytona Tortugas: Daytona heads on the road to take on Bradenton.
- ACL Reds: Steele Hall went 2-for-4 with a steal and a run in a 5-3 win over the ACL Royals. Hall extended his on-base streak to 19 games and continues to show high-level production in the Arizona rookie league.
Deep Dive: Trade Deadline Vulnerability
The August 3 trade deadline is just over a month away. The Reds’ recent “downward spiral” has shifted the organization toward a likely seller’s stance. Superstar Elly De La Cruz is considered off-limits. However, several surprising names could be moved if a significant trade package emerges. Emilio Pagán is a closer under contract through next season. He could become a trade chip if he performs well in high-leverage situations. This would be upon his return from the injured list. Pagán has considerable experience. His career-high 32 saves last season highlight his skill. He is an attractive option for contenders, although he tends to allow home runs.
Catcher Tyler Stephenson is another veteran whose time in Cincinnati could be nearing an end. Stephenson is a free agent this coming winter. The team has shown a lack of interest in a contract extension. This potentially makes him an ideal “bat-first” trade candidate for teams looking for veteran leadership behind the plate. In the outfield, JJ Bleday remains a productive asset under team control. The emergence of prospect Héctor Rodríguez could influence the Reds’ decisions. They might be willing to move him if another club overpays.
The most intriguing name on the block is shortstop Edwin Arroyo, who currently faces a major league logjam. De La Cruz and Matt McLain block the 22-year-old Arroyo. He represents a significant trade piece. This could net established talent or address the organization’s struggling bullpen. With a 12.5-game deficit in the division, these difficult moves may be necessary to reshape the roster for the future. With McLain getting reps in the outfield, it shows you how much the Reds value Arroyo. Personally, I would like to say he’s off limits. However, it will be interesting to see how they handle him by this deadline. Eugenio Suarez comes after JJ Bleday in the lineup. He could be the most valuable rental, in my opinion. He offers a power bat from the right side.
Looking Ahead
The Reds continue their road series in Milwaukee on Tuesday night. Rhett Lowder (3-5, 4.81 ERA) will start for Cincinnati against the Brewers’ Brandon Sproat (2-4, 5.43 ERA).
The bullpen’s inability to hold leads continues to be a problem. It negates strong starting pitching. It also negates the return of Elly De La Cruz’s power.
