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Rhett Lowder Rhett Lowder Sunk by Bucs
Sat, May 2, 2026, 8:28 PM
Lowder (3-2) took the loss Saturday, surrendering eight runs on five hits and four walks over just 1.1 innings in a 17-7 rout at the hands of the Pirates. He struck out one.
Analysis: In the shortest outing of his brief career, Lowder threw only 25 of 52 pitches for strikes and got the hook after walking three straight batters in the second inning, only to see Connor Phillips then issue free passes to the next four Pittsburgh hitters. Lowder has lasted at least five innings in each of his first six starts this season, but the disastrous outing ballooned his ERA from 3.18 to 5.09. The 24-year-old righty will try to rebound in his next trip to the mound, which is scheduled to come on the road next week against the Cubs. |
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Matt McLain Matt McLain Sitting Saturday
Sat, May 2, 2026, 11:52 AM
McLain is not in the Reds' starting lineup against the Pirates on Saturday.
Analysis: McLain has struggled at the plate as of late, having gone 3-for-24 (.125) with one steal, one RBI and 10 strikeouts over his last six games. He'll be on the bench for the start of Saturday's game while Sal Stewart starts at second base and bats in the cleanup spot. |
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Nick Lodolo Nick Lodolo Taking rehab to Triple-A
Sat, May 2, 2026, 11:38 AM
The Reds transferred Lodolo's (finger) rehab assignment to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.
Analysis: Lodolo looked sharp in his rehab outing with High-A Dayton this past Sunday, when he allowed two hits and zero walks while striking out seven across five innings. He's been cleared to move his rehab assignment to Triple-A, and he may need just one outing with Louisville before being cleared to return to the big club. Lodolo is in the final stages of his recovery from a blister on his left index finger that landed him on the 15-day injured list prior to the start of the regular season. |
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Zach Maxwell Zach Maxwell Returning to Triple-A
Sat, May 2, 2026, 11:35 AM
The Reds optioned Maxwell to Triple-A Louisville following Friday's game against the Pirates.
Analysis: The move corresponds with the Reds activating right-hander Graham Ashcraft (personal) from the bereavement list Saturday. Maxwell was roughed up during Friday's outing against Pittsburgh, as he allowed four runs on three hits (including two homers) and two walks while striking out one batter in one inning of work. He'll return to Triple-A, where he has a 5.91 ERA, 1.96 WHIP and 17:8 K:BB across 10.2 innings this season. |
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Graham Ashcraft Graham Ashcraft Back from bereavement list
Sat, May 2, 2026, 11:33 AM
The Reds activated Ashcraft (personal) from the bereavement list Saturday.
Analysis: Ashcraft went on the team's bereavement list Wednesday, but he is back with the Reds and available for the rest of the weekend road series against the Pirates. He has not given up an earned run since April 3 and boasts a 1.20 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB across 15 innings this season. Zach Maxwell was optioned to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. |
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TJ Friedl TJ Friedl Continues hot stretch
Sat, May 2, 2026, 9:23 AM
Friedl went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 9-1 loss to the Pirates.
Analysis: Friedl had two of the Reds' three hits and was the only bright light in the loss. The two-hit night continued a strong stretch for the outfielder, who has gone 12-for-38 (.316) with two home runs, five doubles, one steal, six RBI and five runs over the last 10 contests. Friedl has slowly climbed out of a deep hole -- his batting average stood at .137 after 20 games -- and is at a season-high .198. |
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Brady Singer Brady Singer Bounced by Bucs
Sat, May 2, 2026, 8:48 AM
Singer (2-2) took the loss Friday as the Reds were routed 9-1 by the Pirates, giving up four runs on seven hits and two walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out one.
Analysis: The right-hander dealt with traffic on the bases in all four of his innings, with runs crossing the plate in the first, third and fourth before Singer got the hook after 56 pitches (35 strikes). It's the second time in his last five starts that he's failed to complete at least four innings, and Singer hasn't managed to strike out more than three batters in any of those outings, further limiting his fantasy appeal. He'll carry a 5.57 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 20:9 K:BB through 32.1 innings into his next start, which is scheduled to come on the road next week against the Cubs. |
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Nathaniel Lowe Nathaniel Lowe Power surge continues
Thu, Apr 30, 2026, 2:37 PM
Lowe went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double, a walk and an additional run scored in Thursday's 6-4 win over the Rockies.
Analysis: The 30-year-old first baseman is on a tear at the plate, going deep five times in his past seven games. With Eugenio Suarez (oblique) sidelined, Lowe is set to serve as the Reds' primary designated hitter in the interim. On the year, Lowe is batting .288 with nine extra-base hits, 12 RBI and seven walks over 52 at-bats. |
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Andrew Abbott Andrew Abbott Rebounds with quality start
Thu, Apr 30, 2026, 2:17 PM
Abbott (1-2) earned the win Thursday against the Rockies, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out five.
Analysis: Abbott turned in one of his best performances of the year so far, matching a season high in innings and punchouts. Thursday was only his second quality start and his first since his season debut, and it was also just the third time that the 26-year-old left-hander gave up fewer than three runs. Abbott still has work to do in order to improve upon his 5.97 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 24:15 K:BB over 34.2 frames, and he should have his work cut out against the Cubs in his next scheduled outing at Wrigley Field. |
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JJ Bleday JJ Bleday Gaining traction in lineup
Thu, Apr 30, 2026, 11:32 AM
Bleday will start in left field and bat seventh in Thursday's game against the Rockies.
Analysis: The Reds will keep Bleday in the lineup for a third consecutive matchup versus a right-hander (Michael Lorenzen), after Bleday went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and a walk between his first two starts since being called up from Triple-A Louisville. Bleday looks like he could get a trial as a strong-side platoon player in the corner outfield, with Will Benson (.668 OPS in 46 plate appearances) and Rece Hinds (.402 OPS in 34 plate appearances) having both underwhelmed in their opportunities for the Reds thus far. |
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Ke'Bryan Hayes Ke'Bryan Hayes Out of Cincinnati lineup
Thu, Apr 30, 2026, 9:34 AM
Hayes is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Rockies.
Analysis: Hayes has finally perked up a bit at the plate lately, going 7-for-25 with a home run over his last seven games, but he'll rest during Thursday's matinee. Sal Stewart is getting a start at third base, and Spencer Steer will cover first base. |
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Zach Maxwell Zach Maxwell Moves up from Triple-A
Thu, Apr 30, 2026, 9:00 AM
The Reds recalled Maxwell from Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.
Analysis: Maxwell has collected a 5.91 ERA and 17:8 K:BB over 10.2 innings this season with Louisville. The hard-throwing right-hander will fill a middle-relief role in Cincinnati. |
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Brandon Williamson Brandon Williamson Placed on IL with shoulder fatigue
Thu, Apr 30, 2026, 8:58 AM
The Reds placed Williamson on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to left shoulder fatigue.
Analysis: Williamson was removed from his start in Wednesday's 13-2 loss to the Rockies with the issue. Manager Terry Francona said Thursday that Williamson doesn't have structural damage to his shoulder and will resume a throwing program after being given a cortisone shot, per Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati. It's unclear how long the left-hander will be sidelined, but with Nick Lodolo (finger) due back from the IL soon, Williamson could be without a rotation spot once he's ready to return. Williamson holds a 6.11 ERA and 19:20 K:BB over six starts covering 28 innings this season. |
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Jose Franco Jose Franco Throws bulk innings Wednesday
Thu, Apr 30, 2026, 7:57 AM
Franco allowed three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out three over three relief innings in Wednesday's 13-2 loss to the Rockies.
Analysis: The Reds bullpen had a lot of work to do when starter Brandon Williamson was removed after three innings with left shoulder fatigue. Franco, who was a starter at Triple-A Louisville, could slot into the rotation pending the results of Williamson's MRI, which is scheduled for Thursday. Aside from Franco, the Reds could also reach down to Louisville for Chase Petty, who was removed early from his start Wednesday for what appears to be a potential recall should Williamson be unavailable when his next turn in the rotation comes due Monday. |
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Chase Petty Chase Petty Could join big-league rotation
Thu, Apr 30, 2026, 7:46 AM
Petty struck out four batters and scattered two hits and three walks over 2.1 scoreless innings Wednesday in his start with Triple-A Louisville before exiting due to non-injury reasons, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Petty appears to have been removed early after Cincinnati starter Brandon Williamson was pulled from his start Wednesday against the Rockies due to left shoulder fatigue. Petty, who threw 62 pitches in his outing, could end up entering the Cincinnati rotation if Williamson is moved to the injured list or is otherwise unable to make his next turn. Petty holds a 4.38 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 29:11 K:BB across 24.2 frames at Triple-A this season. |
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Caleb Ferguson Caleb Ferguson Begins rehab assignment
Thu, Apr 30, 2026, 7:33 AM
Ferguson (oblique) walked one and struck out one over a scoreless inning for Double-A Chattanooga on Tuesday.
Analysis: Ferguson threw 14 pitches (seven strikes) in his first outing while on a rehab assignment with the Lookouts. The left-hander is expected to be used as an opener Friday before throwing out of the bullpen next week for Chattanooga, per MLB.com. |
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Brandon Williamson Brandon Williamson Exits with shoulder fatigue
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 7:37 PM
Williamson was removed from Wednesday's game against the Rockies with left shoulder fatigue, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.
Analysis: Williamson made it through just three innings before coming out of Wednesday's game, giving up four earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four batters. It's currently unknown whether his shoulder will cause the Reds to postpone his next start or move him to the IL, but he's slated to receive an MRI on Thursday that will help determine his short-term availability. |
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Tyler Stephenson Tyler Stephenson Resting Wednesday
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 3:03 PM
Stephenson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.
Analysis: Jose Trevino will receive a turn behind the dish while Stephenson rests in the penultimate game of the series. Stephenson had started in eight of the Reds' previous 10 games, going 4-for-28 (.143 average) with three RBI over that stretch. |
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Eugenio Suarez Eugenio Suarez Oblique still sore
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 1:45 PM
Reds manager Terry Francona said Wednesday that Suarez's left oblique remains tender, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.
Analysis: The hope is that Suarez will improve enough in the coming days before getting re-imaged during the Reds' May 1-7 road trip. He would then be able to ramp up baseball activities if the scans yield favorable results. Suarez is eligible for activation from the 10-day injured list Saturday, but it's looking like he won't return until at least mid-May. Nathaniel Lowe will continue to serve as the Reds' primary designated hitter while Suarez is sidelined. |
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Luis Mey Luis Mey Summoned from minors
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 1:06 PM
The Reds recalled Mey from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.
Analysis: Mey has offered a mixed bag at Louisville this season, posting a 4.91 ERA and 1.46 WHIP but also a 14:3 K:BB over 11 innings. The hard thrower might only be with the big club for a few days while Graham Ashcraft is on the bereavement list. |
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