The Cincinnati Reds sit at 35-38 after failing to complete a sweep of the New York Mets on Wednesday. A dismal 9-1 loss at Great American Ball Park concluded their six-game homestand with a 3-3 split.
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MLB Game Recap
The Mets secured a 9-1 victory. This result ended the Reds’ two-game winning streak. A four-run New York explosion in the fifth inning turned the game into a blowout. Reds starter Nick Lodolo struggled immensely, surrendering 7 earned runs and 11 hits over just 4.2 innings before being replaced by Chris Paddack. Paddack provided 4.1 innings of length to save the bullpen, but Cincinnati’s offense remained stagnant, going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
Standout Performer
Matt McLain: 1-for-3, 2B, BB, R. McLain was the only Reds hitter to reach base safely more than once during the series finale. His third-inning double marked his seventh extra-base hit of the month, and he is currently batting .256/.396/.558 through 14 games in June. McLain’s consistent production has been vital for a lineup currently missing its primary power threats.
Key News & Notes
The Reds provided a major update on Elly De La Cruz. He is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville this Friday. He will be playing five innings of defense. Starting pitcher Hunter Greene is also nearing a return. He has a three-inning rehab stint set for Thursday with the ACL club. In other injury news, Ke’Bryan Hayes has begun hitting in Arizona. However, he remains out with a bulging disk. Reliever Pierce Johnson is scheduled for a rehab appearance on Thursday.
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Farm Report
- Louisville Bats (AAA): TJ Friedl: 1-4, 2B, SB; The Bats split a doubleheader with Gwinnett. They won the first game 4-2. They were shut out 6-0 in the nightcap.
- Chattanooga Lookouts (AA): Cam Collier had a standout performance, going 3-4 with a home run (8) and 3 RBIs. Chattanooga secured a 5-2 victory over Knoxville. This win moved them into first place.
- Dayton Dragons (High-A): No stats. The game was postponed due to rain. Dayton is just percentage points out of first place heading into the final day of the half.
- Daytona Tortugas (Single-A): Mike Villani: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 3 K; Daytona fell 8-2 to the St. Lucie Mets despite Villani’s perfect relief outing.
- ACL Reds (Rookie): Steele Hall: 3-5, 2B, SB (13), 2 RBI. Hall extended his hitting streak to six games. The Reds defeated the Guardians 11-4.
Deep Dive: ESPN Trade Deadline Candidates
ESPN analysts Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan released a list of 100 trade candidates. The list features five members of the Cincinnati Reds roster. First baseman Nathaniel Lowe (#45) is the highest-ranked Red on the list. However, his trade value is tempered by his status as a one-year rental. He typically does not play against left-handed pitching. Eugenio Suarez and Brady Singer also appear in the top 50. Analysts suggest Singer’s value is capped by his role as a back-end rotation piece. Suarez’s injury history makes him a less “sexy” target for national contenders. His performance this season also contributes to this perception.
The list is rounded out by relievers Brock Burke and Caleb Ferguson. While Burke sports a 2.83 ERA, he has struggled with control. He has walked 23 batters in 35 innings. This may limit his appeal to teams looking for high-leverage late-inning arms. Overall, the report suggests that Cincinnati has several pieces to move. However, they currently lack marquee assets. These assets would command a top-tier prospect return. Any moves made by the August 3rd deadline would likely focus on shedding salary. They might also acquire lower-level lottery tickets. This is rather than a major system infusion.
Looking Ahead
The Reds have a scheduled off-day on Thursday before traveling to New York to face the Yankees. Rhett Lowder (3-3, 4.60 ERA) is the probable starter for Friday night’s series opener.
A rough “getaway day” loss highlights the rotation’s fragility. The impending returns of De La Cruz and Greene feel like essential survival rather than mere reinforcements.
