The Cincinnati Reds currently hold a 30-29 record and sit seven games back in the NL Central. The team faced a series of roster-shaking injuries. Additionally, they suffered a 9-2 series-opening loss to the Kansas City Royals.
Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster
MLB Game Recap
The Cincinnati Reds dropped Monday’s contest 9-2. This came after a disastrous first inning. Emergency starter Lyon Richardson allowed a grand slam to Lane Thomas. Richardson started after Chase Burns was scratched due to illness. He lasted only one inning. Richardson issued two walks and hit a batter. Brandon Leibrandt provided essential relief for the injury-depleted bullpen. He threw six innings of relief and allowed five earned runs on ten hits. The offense struggled to gain traction against Royals starter Luinder Avila, managing just six hits and striking out 12 times.
Standout Performer
JJ Bleday went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, an RBI, a walk, and a run scored. His 380-foot blast in the first inning was his 10th of the season. It was also his third home run in the last four games. Bleday’s consistent power is a rare advantage for the offense. He has now hit safely in eight of his last 11 games.
Key News & Notes
The Cincinnati Reds officially placed superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz on the 10-day injured list Monday. He has a Grade 1-2 right hamstring strain. Manager Terry Francona expects De La Cruz to be sidelined for approximately 2-4 weeks. In corresponding moves, the club promoted No. 3 prospect Edwin Arroyo. Arroyo went 1-for-4 with his first Major League hit in his debut. They also called up Brandon Leibrandt. Reliever Yunior Marte was designated for assignment to clear roster space. Additionally, right-hander Chase Burns remains day-to-day as he recovers from an illness.
Get Your Inside The Diamonds Merchandise Here
Farm Report
- Louisville Bats (AAA): The Bats will be on the road for a six-game series with the Memphis RedBirds.
- Chattanooga Lookouts (AA): The Lookouts will be on the road for a six-game series with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
- Dayton Dragons (High-A): The Dayton Dragons are on the road for a six-game series with the West Michigan Whitecaps.
- Daytona Tortugas (Single-A): The Tortugas will be on the road. They will play a six-game series against the Dunedin Blue Jays.
- ACL Reds: The ACL Reds fell 12-11 to the ACL D-backs in a high-scoring battle. Adolfo Sanchez: Went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run and three RBIs. Sanchez’s third-inning blast briefly gave the Reds momentum. However, the game ultimately saw ten walks issued by the Cincinnati pitching staff.
Looking Ahead
The Cincinnati Reds continue their series against Kansas City on Tuesday night with Andrew Abbott (4-3, 3.88 ERA) scheduled to take the mound against Royals lefty Noah Cameron.
Losing Elly De La Cruz for any length of time is bad. This situation is the ultimate test of a roster that already had zero margin for error.
What do you think? Will Arroyo’s call-up be good for Matt McLain? Can this competition for second base get him going?
