The Cincinnati Reds have a 31-30 record now. They dropped the rubber match of their series against the Kansas City Royals. In the last 24 hours, the team experienced a ninth-inning bullpen collapse at home. They also underwent a significant roster shakeup. This change saw Noelvi Marte return to the big leagues.
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MLB Game Recap
The Reds lost 5-2 to Kansas City on Wednesday night. The Royals broke a tie with a three-run ninth inning. Starter Chase Burns was brilliant. He allowed just two runs while striking out nine over six innings. However, the game slipped away when Tony Santillan surrendered a tiebreaking single and a two-run homer. Despite tying the game in the fifth, the Cincinnati offense finished 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
Standout Performer
Blake Dunn was the primary offensive catalyst, finishing 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and two RBI. He hit a 368-foot blast to left center in the fifth inning. This drove in Matt McLain. The hit erased an early deficit and pulled the Reds even at 2-2.
Key News & Notes
The Reds promoted outfielder Noelvi Marte from Triple-A. They optioned TJ Friedl to Louisville. This was done in an effort to spark a stagnant offense. Manager Terry Francona confirmed that Rhett Lowder will be reinstated. He will start Sunday’s game against the Cardinals. This follows a successful five-inning, 70-pitch rehab appearance. Additionally, Yunior Marte elected free agency after being designated for assignment, and the club released veteran right-hander Josh Staumont.
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Farm Report
- Louisville (AAA): Ivan Johnson went 3-for-4 with a double. He scored two runs and had a stolen base in an 18-4 blowout loss to Memphis. The Bats’ pitching staff struggled immensely, surrendering a season-high 18 runs and issuing 14 walks.
- Chattanooga (AA): Carlos Jorge remained red-hot. He went 3-for-5 with two runs and a stolen base in a 4-1 win over Pensacola. Jorge is currently hitting .483 over his last eight games and leads the Southern League in batting average.
- Dayton (A+): Victor Acosta recorded two hits, including a triple and an RBI, during a 6-4 loss to West Michigan. Relief pitcher Jacob Edwards provided a bright spot, striking out four in 2.2 perfect innings.
- Daytona (A): Rafhlmil Torres went 2-for-3 with a double and a stolen base as the Tortugas fell 4-2 to Dunedin. Torres scored a run. He also reached base via a walk. It was one of the few productive offensive performances for Daytona.
- ACL Reds (R): Diorland Zambrano had an impressive performance by going 2-for-4. He hit a triple and a home run, driving in three RBI in a 7-4 loss to the ACL Guardians. Zambrano’s first homer of the season accounted for three of the team’s four runs.
Looking Ahead
Brady Singer (2-5, 6.18 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound Friday as Cincinnati begins a three-game road series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
With Marte and Edwin Arroyo both on the active roster, the Reds have made a decisive commitment. They are focusing on their high-upside youth movement. This strategy aims to keep them in the Wild Card hunt.
