The Cincinnati Reds currently hold a 31-32 record following Saturday’s results. The last 24 hours included a heart-wrenching one-run loss at Busch Stadium. There were also encouraging medical updates regarding the team’s top stars.
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MLB Game Recap
The Cincinnati Reds fell 6-5 to the Cardinals on Saturday. Lars Nootbaar hit a pinch-hit, two-run home run in the eighth inning. This erased a late Cincinnati lead. Starter Nick Lodolo surrendered four earned runs on nine hits over five innings. Sam Moll took the loss for the bullpen. He failed to hold the advantage. The bases were loaded in the ninth inning for a rally attempt. Sal Stewart grounded out, and this followed a successful Cardinals challenge on a 3-1 pitch call.
Standout Performer
Shortstop Matt McLain led the offense, finishing 1-for-3 with a two-run home run, two runs scored, and a walk. McLain’s blast in the fourth inning gave the team a temporary 5-3 lead. It was his sixth home run of the 2026 campaign. His performance anchored a lineup that out-hit St. Louis for much of the middle innings but struggled to close the door.
Key News & Notes
Roster management remains a focus. Third baseman Eugenio Suarez has returned to the active roster. This comes after a stint on the injured list. Manager Terry Francona delivered encouraging news on Saturday. He announced that Elly De La Cruz is ahead of schedule with his hamstring recovery. His MRI has been moved up to June 12. Additionally, Hunter Greene is expected to throw live batting practice soon with a potential return date before the All-Star break. The team is dealing with a personal leave of absence for pitching coach Derek Johnson. There is no set return date yet for his return.
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Farm Report
- Louisville Bats: Michael Toglia went 2-for-4 with his 15th home run in an 11-3 win over Memphis. The offense produced 12 hits, including two from the recently optioned TJ Friedl.
- Chattanooga Lookouts: Carlos Jorge had three hits and two runs, but the team fell 5-4. Jay Allen II drove in three of the team’s four runs in the defeat.
- Dayton Dragons: Peyton Stovall went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in an 11-3 loss. The starting pitching struggled, allowing seven earned runs in under four innings.
- Daytona Tortugas: Ricardo Moon reached base four times, including two hits and a walk, in a 6-2 loss. A four-run sixth inning for Dunedin proved the difference.
- ACL Reds: Mason Neville went 3-for-4 with a home run and a double in an 8-4 defeat. The team matched three homers but left 10 runners on base.
Looking Ahead
The Reds look to clinch the series on Sunday at 2:15 PM ET. Rhett Lowder (3-3, 5.40 ERA) returns from the injured list to face Cardinals righty Michael McGreevy (3-5, 2.98 ERA) in the rubber match.
Deep Dive: Superstar Recovery Updates
On Saturday, Cincinnati fans received a double dose of optimism. Terry Francona addressed the status of Hunter Greene and Elly De La Cruz. Greene, who has been sidelined the entire season, is finally progressing toward live competition. Francona noted that Greene is “doing really good.” He indicated that the right-hander could return for a couple of starts before the All-Star break. This is a critical development for a rotation that has lacked consistency; Greene posted a 2.76 ERA with 132 strikeouts last season and remains one of the sport’s top arms when healthy.
Equally vital is news on Elly De La Cruz, who is recovering from a sensitive hamstring strain. The medical staff initially slated De La Cruz for a June 15 MRI. However, they moved the evaluation to June 12. This change happened because De La Cruz has been performing light on-field work without setbacks. Reports suggest the biggest challenge has been “holding him back,” as the shortstop is eager to return to the lineup. The organization remains cautious, however, knowing that rushing a hamstring injury could lead to a long-term recurrence. With the Reds currently hovering just under .500, getting both the staff ace and the franchise shortstop back at the same time could provide the spark. This could help climb back into the NL Central race.
