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Noelvi Marte Noelvi Marte Sitting again versus righty Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 1:27 PM Marte is absent from the lineup for Monday's contest versus the Pirates. Analysis: Righty Braxton Ashcraft is taking the ball for the Pirates, marking the second time in two games versus righties in the early going that Marte has been on the bench in favor of the left-handed-swinging Will Benson. Marte has started in right field for both of the Reds' tilts against lefties. It's unlikely to be a strict platoon at the position, but it seems at this early stage of the season that Marte is behind Benson in the pecking order versus right-handed pitching.
Sal Stewart Sal Stewart Bat remains hot Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 7:32 AM Stewart went 2-for-2 with a walk, a double and a run scored in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Red Sox. Analysis: There was no let-up for Stewart in the third game of the season. He's now had multiple hits and reached base at least three times in all three games, going 7-for-10 with three walks, zero strikeouts and more extra-base hits than singles. He also showed advanced baserunning Sunday, advancing to second base on a flyout to center field, which put him in a position to reach third base when the next batter singled to left field.
Spencer Steer Spencer Steer Moving around as advertised Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 7:22 AM Steer started at first base and went 1-for-4 in Sunday's 3-2 win over Boston. Analysis: Steer made his first start of the season at first base after serving as the left fielder Thursday and Saturday. The plan announced this spring, when Steer started at five different positions, was that he would primarily play left field but could also slot in at various spots. In addition to his starting positions thus far, Steer also moved mid-game Saturday to first base and then third base. That roster flexibility helps manager Terry Francona navigate in-game situations, while also ensuring Steer gets a full game of plate appearances.
Rhett Lowder Rhett Lowder Strikes out five in no-decision Sun, Mar 29, 2026, 5:11 PM Lowder did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Red Sox, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks with five strikeouts over five innings. Analysis: Lowder surrendered a two-run homer in the fourth inning but also managed four scoreless frames. He threw 56 of 86 pitches for strikes while generating an impressive 14 whiffs, including six on his slider. The former first-round pick logged just 9.1 minor-league innings last season due to multiple injuries but is getting an opportunity to stick with the Reds in 2026. He's slated for a road matchup against the Rangers next weekend.
Eugenio Suarez Eugenio Suarez Launches game-winning homer Sunday Sun, Mar 29, 2026, 4:26 PM Suarez went 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk and three RBI in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Red Sox. Analysis: With the Reds trailing 2-0 in the sixth inning, Suarez put them ahead for good with a 431-foot blast off Greg Weissert. It was the 34-year-old's first homer since returning to Great American Ball Park, where he's now gone deep 102 times in his career. He's topped the 30-homer mark six times since his first full season in 2016, including three during his previous stint with Cincinnati, and should remain one of baseball's top power sources.
Emilio Pagan Emilio Pagan Earns first save Sun, Mar 29, 2026, 4:09 PM Pagan earned the save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Red Sox, allowing one hit and one walk in a scoreless ninth inning. He did not record a strikeout. Analysis: Pagan was summoned to protect a one-run lead in the ninth and worked around a one-out double to slam the door. It was an encouraging rebound after he allowed a homer and blew his first save chance Saturday. The 34-year-old could be unavailable Monday after throwing 34 high-leverage pitches over the past two days.
Ke'Bryan Hayes Ke'Bryan Hayes Hitting bench Sunday Sun, Mar 29, 2026, 11:25 AM Hayes is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox. Analysis: Hayes will give way to Eugenio Suarez at third base in the series finale after he started in the Reds' first two games of the season while going 0-for-7 with a run scored. While Hayes has produced at well-below-league-average levels at the plate each of the past two seasons, his exceptional defense at the hot corner should keep him in the lineup more often than not.
Dane Myers Dane Myers Plays hero Saturday Sun, Mar 29, 2026, 8:05 AM Myers went 1-for-1 with an RBI in Saturday's 6-5 extra-innings win over the Red Sox. Analysis: Myers played the hero with a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 11th inning. He entered the game in the ninth inning as a defensive substitution and stuck around after Emilio Pagan blew the save. Myers has come off the bench in two straight games to begin the year, having served as a pinch hitter for Will Benson in the Reds' Opening Day loss.
Elly De La Cruz Elly De La Cruz Swats home run in win Sun, Mar 29, 2026, 7:57 AM De La Cruz went 1-for-4 with two walks and a solo home run in Saturday's 6-5 extra-innings win over the Red Sox. Analysis: De La Cruz clubbed his first home run of the season in the fifth inning to give Cincinnati a 5-3 lead. The shortstop, who clouted 20-plus home runs in each of his first two full MLB seasons, is looking to rebound from a second-half dip in production in 2025. To that end, Reds manager Terry Francona stated it was an organizational goal to keep De La Cruz fresh, so he may get more rest this season.
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.