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Brady Singer Brady Singer Allows three runs in first start Sat, Mar 28, 2026, 8:55 PM Singer allowed three runs on five hits and two walks across four innings in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Red Sox. He struck out five. Analysis: Singer dealt with a blister 10 days ago in a spring start against the Rockies, but he didn't miss any time with the issue. However, his velocity was notably down against Boston on Saturday, averaging just 90.5 mph with his sinker and 89.7 mph with his fastball. The veteran right-hander's next scheduled start should come next weekend on the road against Texas.
Sal Stewart Sal Stewart Hits home run in Saturday's win Sat, Mar 28, 2026, 8:49 PM Stewart went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, two RBI and a walk in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Red Sox. Analysis: Stewart's wrist soreness didn't seem to be an issue Saturday, as he stayed hot at the plate. The first baseman had an RBI single in the first inning and then took Sonny Gray deep in the third. Batting cleanup for Cincinnati, Stewart is 5-for-8 with two doubles, one home run and two RBI through two games to begin the regular season.
Matt McLain Matt McLain Productive at plate in win Sat, Mar 28, 2026, 8:45 PM McLain went 3-for-4 with one RBI, one run scored and two walks in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Red Sox. Analysis: McLain tore the cover off the ball during spring training and is carrying it over to begin the regular season. McLain drew an eight-pitch walk in the first inning and later scored on a fielder's choice. He then drove in Ke'Bryan Hayes with an RBI double in his second plate appearance. Through two games, McLain is 3-for-7 at the plate with three walks.
Connor Phillips Connor Phillips Extra-inning win Sat, Mar 28, 2026, 7:35 PM Phillips threw two scoreless innings against the Red Sox in extra innings Saturday, picking up the win when the Reds walked it off in the 11th inning. He struck out three without allowing a hit or a walk. Analysis: Phillips played an increasingly important role in the Reds bullpen when they pushed to win a Wild Card spot last season. He's unlikely to displace Emilio Pagan, Tony Santillan or even Graham Ashcraft in the bullpen pecking order for the Reds, but he could serve as a nice pivot whenever one or more of them is unavailable.
Emilio Pagan Emilio Pagan Suffers first blown save Sat, Mar 28, 2026, 7:23 PM Pagan gave up a game-tying homer by Wilyer Abreu in Saturday's win over the Red Sox, one out away from ending the game. Overall he retired four batters, striking out two. Analysis: Pagan has always been a little prone to give up home runs, including 10 last season. He converted 32 of 38 opportunities last season, so Saturday's blown save shouldn't alter his job security.
Sal Stewart Sal Stewart Playing through wrist soreness Sat, Mar 28, 2026, 12:12 PM Stewart will start at first base and bat fourth Saturday against the Red Sox. Analysis: Concerns regarding Stewart's health arose after he took a 110-mph Roman Anthony line drive off his wrist in the fifth inning of Thursday's contest, but Stewart said Saturday that he only feels a little sore and will continue to play, per Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer. The 22-year-old infielder finished the season opener 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and is poised to start most games at first base for the Reds, though he's also capable of covering second or third.
Tyler Stephenson Tyler Stephenson Taking seat Saturday Sat, Mar 28, 2026, 12:02 PM Stephenson isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game versus Boston. Analysis: Stephenson began the season by going 0-for-3 with a walk in Thursday's loss, and he'll get an extra day to rest Saturday with Jose Trevino starting behind the dish and batting eighth.
Noelvi Marte Noelvi Marte Out of Saturday's lineup Sat, Mar 28, 2026, 12:00 PM Marte isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Red Sox. Analysis: Marte struck out in both of his first two at-bats during Thursday's loss before being lifted for a pinch hitter. He'll now stay put in the Reds' dugout to begin Saturday's contest while Will Benson starts in right field, batting seventh.
Nick Lodolo Nick Lodolo Bullpen session on tap Sat, Mar 28, 2026, 11:48 AM Lodolo (finger) will throw a bullpen session Sunday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports. Analysis: Lodolo landed on the injured list ahead of Opening Day due to a blister on his left index finger, and after starting to play catch Tuesday, he's now been cleared to resume mound work. If all goes well Sunday, the 28-year-old could make a rehab start in the minors Wednesday.
Andrew Chafin Andrew Chafin Latches on with Reds Fri, Mar 27, 2026, 5:17 PM Chafin signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Friday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports. Analysis: Chafin was released by the Twins last Friday despite allowing just two earned runs over six innings in the Grapefruit League. The veteran lefty will now begin the regular season as organizational depth for the Reds, but he figures to have a strong chance to join Cincinnati's bullpen at some point after posting a 2.41 ERA in 33.2 frames last season.
Andrew Abbott Andrew Abbott Turns around rough spring Thu, Mar 26, 2026, 9:02 PM Abbott allowed seven hits and one walk while striking out four over six scoreless innings, picking up a no-decision in Thursday's 3-0 loss to Boston. Analysis: Abbott pitched into and out of trouble in three of his innings, but he matched zeroes with Boston's Garrett Crochet on the scoreboard. The seven hits off the Reds' left-hander were all singles, four of which didn't leave the infield. It was an encouraging outing for Abbott, who had a shocking 11.72 ERA in spring training. He's become the team's No. 1 starter with Hunter Green (elbow) unavailable and on the 60-day injured list.
Sal Stewart Sal Stewart Rips three hits in opener Thu, Mar 26, 2026, 8:46 PM Stewart batted cleanup and went 3-for-4 with two doubles in Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Red Sox. Analysis: Reds manager Terry Francona began experimenting with Stewart batting fourth followed by Eugenio Suarez late in spring training and stuck with it for Opening Day against Boston left-hander Garrett Crochet. The 22-year-old Stewart collected three of the four hits Boston's ace would allow. He earned placement in the cleanup spot this spring, when he slashed .327/450/.592 with four doubles, three home runs and 11 RBI across 20 games. Stewart will be the Reds' mainstay at first base and part of the rotation at DH but could also defend second or third base.
Jose Franco Jose Franco Back with big club Wed, Mar 25, 2026, 11:31 AM The Reds recalled Franco from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday. Analysis: Franco was cut from big-league camp in early March, but he's now back to absorb the roster spot of the injured Caleb Ferguson (oblique). When/if the righty gets into a game, it will be his major-league debut.
Caleb Ferguson Caleb Ferguson Sidelined by strained oblique Wed, Mar 25, 2026, 11:28 AM The Reds placed Ferguson (oblique) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday. Analysis: Ferguson will get a late start to the season after tweaking his right oblique in mid-March. Once healthy, he's expected to fill a middle-relief role in the Cincinnati bullpen.
Nick Lodolo Nick Lodolo Move to IL official Wed, Mar 25, 2026, 11:19 AM The Reds placed Lodolo (finger) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday. Analysis: Lodolo had been slated to pitch during the Reds' first series of the season but will instead hit the shelf after he exited his final Grapefruit League start last weekend when he developed a blister on his left index finger. The southpaw was able to resume playing catch Tuesday, so assuming his finger presents no further issues for him while he builds back up, he could be ready to return from the IL when first eligible April 7.
Brandon Williamson Brandon Williamson Plans changing Wed, Mar 25, 2026, 8:02 AM Williamson will start the fifth game of the regular season, March 31, against Pittsburgh, Rich Rovito of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Williamson was planned to be part of a three-pitcher grouping that would occupy the fourth and fifth rotation spots, but that plan changed. The Reds need to adjust to being without Nick Lodolo (blister), who will open the regular season on in the injured list. That paves the way for Williamson, Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder to each have their own spot in the rotation to begin the season.
Rhett Lowder Rhett Lowder Scheduled for third game Wed, Mar 25, 2026, 7:54 AM Lowder is scheduled to start the third game of the regular season, March 29, against the Red Sox, Rich Rovito of MLB.com reports. Analysis: The Reds had to adjust their plans with Nick Lodolo (blister) set to open the season on the injured list. He was scheduled to pitch Saturday but will be replaced by Brady Singer. Lowder was planned to be part of a three-pitcher tandem that would make up the fourth and fifth spots of the rotation, but now each pitcher will have their own slot. After Singer, the rotation will be Lowder, Chase Burns and then Brandon Williamson. Lowder finished off his preseason work Tuesday with 50 pitches over three innings in an exhibition against Milwaukee.
Chase Burns Chase Burns Will pitch fourth game Wed, Mar 25, 2026, 7:49 AM Burns is scheduled to start the fourth game of the regular season, March 30, against the Pirates, Rich Rovito of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Burns was originally confirmed to be part of a three-pitcher crew that would combine to fill the fourth and fifth rotation spots, but plans changed when the Reds announced that Nick Lodolo (blister) will begin the regular season on the injured list. Burns, Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson will now have their own spots in the rotation to begin the season. Burns finished off his preseason work Tuesday, tossing 68 pitches over five innings in an exhibition game against the Brewers.
Nick Lodolo Nick Lodolo Headed to injured list Tue, Mar 24, 2026, 6:50 PM Lodolo (finger) will begin the regular season on the injured list, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Analysis: Lodolo began playing catch Tuesday -- his first time throwing since leaving his start Sunday with a finger blister -- but the Reds have officially concluded that the 28-year-old is better off beginning the season on the IL. The move will give him all the time he needs to recover fully; meanwhile, Brandon Williamson will step in to fill the void in Cincinnati's rotation.
Nick Lodolo Nick Lodolo Plays catch; IL still possible Tue, Mar 24, 2026, 2:39 PM Lodolo (finger) played light catch Tuesday with 15-to-20 throws, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Analysis: Lodolo -- who is recovering from a blister on his left index finger -- said afterward that things went OK, but the hurler "didn't sound particularly enthused," per Wittenmyer. The lefty is tentatively slated to make his season debut Saturday versus the Red Sox, but it's considered likely that Lodolo will either be pushed back or placed on the injured list. The Reds will make a decision on Lodolo's status soon.