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Eugenio Suarez Eugenio Suarez Belts first spring homer Wed, Feb 25, 2026, 8:20 AM Suarez went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's spring game against the Royals. Analysis: Suarez's homer immediately followed one hit by Elly De La Cruz in the fifth inning. The two hits were the first in three Cactus League outings for Suarez, who is 2-for-9 thus far. He's served twice at third base and once at DH. In preparation for his upcoming role for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, Suarez is expected to get a few more starts at the hot corner over the next week, but he will toggle between DH and first base during the regular season while Ke'Bryan Hayes operates as the everyday third baseman.
Elly De La Cruz Elly De La Cruz Goes yard Tuesday Wed, Feb 25, 2026, 8:03 AM De La Cruz went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's spring game against the Royals. Analysis: De La Cruz belted his first spring homer and has three extra-base hits in his two Cactus League appearances. It's a promising sign for the dynamic De La Cruz, who has enjoyed protection from Eugenio Suarez batting behind him. Suarez followed De La Cruz's blast with his own homer and is expected to bat cleanup behind De La Cruz in the regular season.
Andrew Abbott Andrew Abbott Makes spring debut Wed, Feb 25, 2026, 7:56 AM Abbott allowed two runs on two hits and struck out two over two innings in Tuesday's spring start against Kansas City. Analysis: Abbott was pleased with his Cactus League debut, telling Mark Sheldon of MLB.com that he threw all five of his pitches and was encouraged by his efficiency (27 pitches, 17 strikes, no walks). The lone blemish was a two-out, two-run home run allowed to Josh Rojas. The left-hander is having a normal camp, which is a change from last season, when he didn't make his spring debut until March 17 due to recovery from a shoulder injury before opening the regular season on the injured list.
Hunter Greene Hunter Greene Adding two-seam fastball Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 7:48 PM Greene is working on adding a two-seam fastball to his arsenal, Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reports. "It's going to be a great offering," Greene said. "I'm excited to get going. You'll see it a good bit." The Reds are working in Greene slowly, as he essentially pitched a simulated game on Sunday and will make his spring training debut on Friday. Analysis: Greene heavily relied on a four-seamer last season, throwing it 54 percent of the time, along with a slider (35 percent) and a splitter (11 percent). Perhaps the two-seamer could replace the splitter at times, as the latter pitch yielded a .310 batting average and .655 slugging percentage in 26 batted ball events, while netting only three strikeouts.
Matt McLain Matt McLain Hitting second Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 7:27 PM McLain went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI while batting second in Sunday's spring training loss to the Mariners. The Reds would like to see McLain bat second this year, but manager Terry Francona won't force it, Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reports. He was hitting second in a lineup that featured a typical top of the order, with TJ Friedl and Elly De La Cruz sandwiching McLain and Eugenio Suarez batting cleanup. Analysis: McLain hit second 66 times last season and struggled in the role. Francona suggested that it won't merely be McLain's spring training stat line that will drive the batting order decision. "Just like everyone, you want them to feel good about themselves when they leave here," Francona said. "That's the whole idea. If I had a formula, we'd do it. You want guys to play enough. Everyone is different, which is ok."
Graham Ashcraft Graham Ashcraft Fans two in spring debut Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 5:35 PM Ashcraft struck out two and walked one over a scoreless inning during Sunday's Cactus League game against the Mariners. Analysis: Ashcraft was charged with taking care of the third inning Sunday, and while his day started with a walk to Cal Raleigh, he struck out the next two batters and induced a groundout to end the frame. The 28-year-old is expected to begin the regular season in a high-leverage role, though this is the southpaw's first spring working as a reliever. He recently spoke on his focus entering camp, stating "I've got to keep pounding the zone like I was last year and let stuff happen. I'm a ground ball guy," said Ashcraft, per Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati. "Stay after them. Don't back down. You have to go in there and shut the door."
Dane Myers Dane Myers Good fit for Reds Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 4:42 PM Myers is expected to make the Reds' Opening Day roster due to his superb defense and his ability to hit left-handed pitching, after he hit .297/.360/.456 against them over the last three seasons, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Whenever the Reds haven't had TJ Friedl available for a given game, the Reds have had to compromise on defense in center field, but Myers addresses that shortcoming nicely. The only thing working against Myers is that the team otherwise has so many right-handed hitters, which might encourage them to carry both JJ Bleday and Will Benson instead.
Sal Stewart Sal Stewart Starts at 2B Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 8:02 AM Stewart started at second base and went 0-for-1 with two walks in Saturday's spring game against Cleveland. Analysis: Stewart, who entered camp as the favorite to be the team's primary first baseman, was given an opportunity at second base in the Cactus League opener. A slimmed down version of Stewart -- he shed 26 pounds during the offseason -- makes it possible for him to be deployed at the keystone this season.
Julian Aguiar Julian Aguiar Returns from TJ surgery Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 7:24 AM Aguiar allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out two over two innings in Saturday's spring game against the Guardians. Analysis: Aguiar stepped on a big-league mound in a game setting for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2024. He was the third of three candidates for the final spot in the Reds rotation to pitch in the Cactus League opener, as Chase Burns started the game followed by Rhett Lowder. Aguiar threw 30 pitches (18 strikes) and used all the pitches in his arsenal, but he didn't face the toughest competition as Cleveland's expected regulars were out of the game by the time Aguiar entered in the fifth inning.
Rhett Lowder Rhett Lowder First game action since 2024 Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 7:12 AM Lowder allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out four over two innings in Saturday's spring game against Cleveland. Analysis: Lowder was the second of three pitchers competing for the Reds' fifth spot in the rotation used in their Cactus League opener. He followed Chase Burns (two scoreless innings, three walks) and was followed by Julian Aguiar (two innings, one run). For Lowder, who missed all of 2025 with forearm and oblique injuries, this was his first game action in a big-league setting since September of 2024. The right-hander threw 37 pitches (23 strikes).
Chase Burns Chase Burns Starts spring opener Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 6:51 AM Burns walked three and did not allow a hit while striking out two over two scoreless innings as the starting pitcher in Saturday's spring opener against the Guardians. Analysis: Reds manager Terry Francona wasted little time in getting three of the four candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation some game action. Burns, Rhett Lowder and Julian Aguiar all were used for two-inning stints in the Cactus League kickoff. Burns overcame a couple of four-pitch walks in the first inning and a two-out walk in the second while working his pitch count up to 37 (15 strikes). He used a new in-development changeup to induce a weak flyout to center field. "My changeup was really good. It gives me a lot of confidence," Burns told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com after the contest. Working on secondary pitches have been a focus for Burns in early in camp as the right-hander looks to expand an arsenal that includes a four-seamer, slider and sinker.
Julian Aguiar Julian Aguiar Competing for rotation spot Thu, Feb 19, 2026, 11:29 AM Aguiar (elbow) is without restrictions in Reds camp and competing for the final spot in the rotation, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Aguiar missed the entire 2025 season after having Tommy John surgery in October 2024, but he's now 16 months removed from the operation and participating fully in camp. The 24-year-old is in the rotation mix for Cincinnati but is almost surely ticketed for Triple-A Louisville following a lost season. Aguiar made seven starts for the Reds in 2024, holding a 6.25 ERA and 19:12 K:BB over 31.2 innings.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand Christian Encarnacion-Strand Could get into games next week Thu, Feb 19, 2026, 10:44 AM Reds manager Terry Francona said Thursday that Encarnacion-Strand (hamstring) could play in Cactus League games next week, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports. Analysis: Encarnacion-Strand has been slowed early on in camp by a hamstring injury he suffered in January, but he's been working out and it seems he'll miss only the first few spring training games. Given the number of bodies ahead of him at the infield corners and designated hitter, the 26-year-old is facing long odds to make the Opening Day roster.
Rhett Lowder Rhett Lowder Throws first bullpen Thu, Feb 19, 2026, 7:53 AM Lowder threw a bullpen session Monday that manager Terry Francona described as "very polished," Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Lowder showed no rust after missing all of 2025 with a forearm injury followed by an oblique strain. The right-hander was able to have a normal offseason, which included work in the Arizona Fall League. Lowder's in the mix for the final rotation spot along with Julian Aguiar, Chase Burns and Brandon Williamson.
Connor Phillips Connor Phillips Competing for bullpen spot Wed, Feb 18, 2026, 7:04 AM Phillips is part of a group competing for the final spots in the Reds' bullpen, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Phillips made the transition from starter to reliever in 2025 following a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). To treat and manage TOS, the right-hander received Botox injections, which alleviated the symptoms and allowed him to pitch in shorter stints. Phillips was dominant over the final six weeks of 2025, using a two-pitch mix of four-seamers and sweepers (0.53 ERA, plus-5 Run Value) to post a 1.80 ERA with 28 strikeouts and eight walks over his final 17 appearances. The right-hander will compete with the likes of Sam Moll, Zach Maxwell and Luis Mey for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Tyler Callihan Tyler Callihan Fully cleared Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 4:54 PM Callihan (forearm) has been fully cleared for all baseball activities and is a full-go in spring training, Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reports. Analysis: Callihan has had an incredibly unlucky professional career when it comes to his health, the latest being in May 2025 when he snapped his forearm trying to make a sliding catch in Atlanta. He's got an uphill battle to make the team out of spring training, lining up behind Will Benson and JJ Bleday as left-handed hitting corner outfielders.
Eugenio Suarez Eugenio Suarez Taking first base reps Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 4:49 PM Suarez is taking reps at first base to start each day of spring training, Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reports. "I'm a guy who likes work," Suarez said. "I want to be better at first base. I know they're going to need me there." Analysis: Suarez is still likely to get most of his starts as the Reds' designated hitter, with Ke'Bryan Hayes starting at third base and either Sal Stewart or Spencer Steer playing first base, but every bit of flexibility helps. Suarez played the first three games at first base of his major league career last season.
Chase Burns Chase Burns In mix for rotation Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 6:30 AM Burns will compete for the fifth starter's role during spring training, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. He showed improvement with his changeup during a two-inning live batting practice session on Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reports. Analysis: Burns experienced just about everything a pitcher can during his first year of professional ball in 2025, hitting three levels of the minors before making his MLB debut with the Reds. He also experienced an injury, time on the injured list and returned to pitch as a reliever over the final weeks of the regular season and into the postseason. The right-hander held his own for the most part and can leverage that experience to compete for the final rotation spot. His fellow candidates for the job are Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar (elbow). Burns possesses an elite four-seamer and slider (43.9 Whiff%) and has succeeded thus far on the strength of those two pitches, but adding a useful changeup or cutter could take him to another level.
Nathaniel Lowe Nathaniel Lowe Signs NRI pact with Cincinnati Fri, Feb 13, 2026, 12:35 PM The Reds signed Lowe to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Feinsand and Mark Sheldon of MLB.com report. Analysis: The 30-year-old Lowe had to settle for a minor-league deal after slashing a disappointing .228/.307/.381 with 18 home runs over 153 regular-season games between the Nationals and Red Sox in 2025. The Reds already have Sal Stewart and Eugenio Suarez projected for everyday at-bats between first base and designated hitter, with Spencer Steer also in the mix for playing time at those spots, so it's difficult to see a current fit for Lowe on the 26-man roster.
Spencer Steer Spencer Steer Addressed quad issue in offseason Fri, Feb 13, 2026, 6:55 AM Steer said Thursday that he cleaned up his sprinting mechanics to prevent re-injuring his quadriceps, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Steer got off to a slow start in 2025 because of a shoulder injury, but he admitted there was also a right quadriceps issue that bothered him for most of the season. "I think that had to do with my sprinting mechanics, and I cleaned that stuff up," he said. That was likely the reason he stole just seven bases after reaching double-digit swipes in each of the previous two seasons. Steer, who was a Gold Glove finalist at first base in 2025, will move around the diamond this season. His primary spot will be left field but depending on matchups, injuries and game situations, he could also see time in right field, and at first, second or third base.