Cincinnati Reds News

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Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo Working on New Breaking-Ball Grip as he Rehabs a Blister

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) threw a bullpen session without discomfort on July 22 and another one on July 26, and he has been testing a new grip for his breaking ball and hasn't reported any issues, according to MLB.com. Lodolo landed on the 15-day injured list on July 12 with another blister on his left index finger. There is no specific timetable for his return to the Reds' starting rotation, but he appears to be making good progress. The next step is for Lodolo to face live batters before he's likely sent out on a minor-league rehab assignment. In a best-case scenario, Lodolo might not be back in the majors until mid-August. In his first 12 starts of the season, the former seventh overall pick in 2019 from Texas Christian University went 3-2 with a 4.60 ERA (5.11 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 27 walks in 62 2/3 innings. Lodolo's strikeout upside has been intriguing since he entered the league in 2022, but he has a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate in 2026 and a career-high 9.7% walk rate, which is not what you'd want to see from an oft-injured arm.

14 hours ago

Spencer Steer • 1B • Reds

Spencer Steer Removed Due to Hand Injury

Cincinnati Reds first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer (hand) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Steer appeared to have tweaked his hand after he fouled off a pitch during the fifth inning. He was visited by the training staff and pulled from the contest mid-at-bat. Before leaving the game, Steer was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts at the plate. The expectation is that Steer will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. For now, fantasy managers should consider Steer as day-to-day. There should be another update on his status ahead of Monday's game against the Cleveland Guardians.

2 days ago

Héctor Rodríguez • LF • Reds

Hector Rodriguez Could be Impact Addition for the Reds

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has surprised a bit with his consistent power in his age-22 season at Triple-A Louisville. Rodriguez has tallied 24 homers in 374 at-bats with 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and a .275 batting average. Given 45-grade power by scouts, Rodriguez has surpassed expectations with his power this season. He is now the No. 3 prospect in the Reds' system. The Dominican Republic native could be a late-season addition to the Reds in the outfield. The left-handed-hitting bat could add some pop to the Cincinnati outfield, and with Blake Dunn currently on the injured list, there could be an opening for Rodriguez at the big-league level. Rodriguez should produce solid numbers if promoted and would be a good addition to fantasy teams over the second half of the season.

3 days ago

Spencer Steer • 1B • Reds

Spencer Steer A Waiver Option for Power Despite Recent Hitless Stretch

Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer returned on Wednesday from a rib injury he suffered on Monday and went 0-for-4 at the plate in the 5-3 win over the hosting Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Steer is now hitless in his last 11 at-bats, but the 28-year-old has been much better so far in July than he was in June, when he hit just .159 (13-for-82) with a .629 OPS, six home runs, a double, 13 RBI, 14 runs scored, nine walks, and 28 strikeouts in 24 games played. The 28-year-old right-handed slugger is currently batting .259 (14-for-54) with an .818 OPS, three home runs, two doubles, six RBI, and six runs scored in 16 games and 62 plate appearances in July. Steer is up to 16 home runs in 96 games across 378 plate appearances in 2026 in his fifth year with the Reds, and he offers under-the-radar power in a hitter-friendly home environment in deeper fantasy leagues for managers who are searching for more pop. Now that Steer is over his recent rib injury, hopefully he will begin to put his power stroke on display once again. He's currently rostered in only 36% of Yahoo leagues.

5 days ago

JJ Bleday • LF • Reds

JJ Bleday Emerges as Interesting Power Option

Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday hasn't exactly been tearing the cover off the ball lately, but that doesn't mean he's not offering fantasy value. Over the last two weeks, Bleday has only recorded nine hits, but three of those were home runs. The 28-year-old has already surpassed last year's season total of 14 homers, and we just started the second half of the season. Through 72 games, Bleday has 16 home runs with 43 RBI and 41 walks. He's not going to hit for average, but fantasy managers looking for power or help with walks should consider adding Bleday. There is a very good chance that he sets a new career high in home runs this season.

6 days ago

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo Set to Throw Bullpen on Wednesday

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) will attempt to throw a bullpen on Wednesday, per Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19 Cincinnati. Lodolo is currently on the 15-day injured list due to a blister, which has been a recurring issue throughout his career to this point. Across 62 2/3 innings (12 starts) on the year, Lodolo has recorded a 3-2 record with a 4.60 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts. The 27-year-old's strikeout rate has dipped from 24.3% in 2025 to 17.9% in 2026, while his walk rate has spiked to a career-worst 9.7%. If Lodolo can make it through his bullpen session without prohibitive discomfort, he could be on track to return from the IL as soon as he is eligible. However, he could also be facing an extended absence if the blister does not subside. With Lodolo on the shelf, Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder has rejoined the team's rotation for the time being.

7 days ago

Héctor Rodríguez • LF • Reds

Hector Rodriguez Finding Power Stroke at Triple-A

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has been a consistent power source at Triple-A Louisville this season with 24 homers and 61 RBI, 67 runs scored, and a .280 batting average. The 22-year-old left-handed hitter has been steady all season and could force his power bat to a big league promotion. Rodriguez is the Reds' No. 4 overall prospect and has had at least five homers in each calendar month this season. He doesn't profile as a big, intimidating presence in the batter's box at just 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, but he excels with his bat speed and has translated that to power numbers in the minors this season. Rodriguez makes for a nice speculative add in deep leagues this season as he continues to mash at Triple-A. This could be the year for his big league debut, and he could reward fantasy managers for taking a shot on him.

7 days ago

Tyler Stephenson • C • Reds

Tyler Stephenson Heating Up in July, Hits Two Homers Against Rockies

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson took advantage of the thin air in Denver in Sunday's series finale in the team's 9-6 win over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field to go 3-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, a double, and three RBI to boost his season average to .247 and his OPS to .721. Stephenson is now hitting .247/.325/.396 on the season with a .720 OPS, eight home runs, 27 RBI, and 20 runs scored in 75 games played and 265 plate appearances in his seventh year in the majors with the Reds. He has missed more time with injury in 2026 but has been heating up in July, going 13-for-35 (.371) with two home runs, two doubles, three RBI, and three runs scored in just 10 games and 36 plate appearances. Since the start of June, Stephenson has hit .319 (30-for-94) with an .866 OPS, four homers, five doubles, 10 RBI, and nine runs scored in 29 games across 101 plate appearances. When healthy, the 29-year-old starting catcher can provide above-average power at the weak catching position at a hitter-friendly home ballpark.

Jul 20

Jose Trevino • C • Reds

Jose Trevino Clubs Two Home Runs in Loss to Rockies

Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino took advantage of the thin air in Denver on Saturday night to go 3-for-4 with two solo home runs in the team's 10-3 blowout loss to the hosting Colorado Rockies at hitter-friendly Coors Field. The 33-year-old veteran backup catcher provided most of the Reds' offense on the night and boosted his season line to .268/.278/.437 with a .714 OPS, three home runs, 10 RBI, and nine runs scored in just 23 games played and 74 plate appearances as the backup to Tyler Stephenson. The two-homer game was Trevino's first of the year and just the third of his big-league career, with the last such instance coming back in May of 2024 when he was with the New York Yankees. Trevino has been hot when given opportunities since the start of June for Cincy, going 15-for-42 (.357) with all three of his home runs, two doubles, eight RBI, and seven runs scored in 12 games and 42 plate appearances. However, his rare power outburst on Saturday in Denver shouldn't cause fantasy managers to grab him off the waiver wire, even in two-catcher leagues.

Jul 19

Héctor Rodríguez • LF • Reds

Recent Power Binge Puts Hector Rodriguez on the Doorstep of Major Leagues

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has enjoyed a power binge at the Triple-A level and is making a strong case to earn the call to the big leagues. Over his last 12 games at Triple-A Louisville, the 22-year-old has gone deep five times and added a double. During this stretch, Rodriguez has carried a .286/.375/.667 with a 1.042 OPS. Rodriguez has spent the entire 2026 campaign at the Triple-A level and has continued to flash elite power potential, going deep 23 times while posting a strong .280/.360/.538 line with a .898 OPS. Given his current pace, it appears Rodriguez seems well-positioned to join the Reds down the stretch. With recent reports suggesting the Reds are looking to sell expiring contracts at the trade deadline, Rodriguez's call to the big leagues should happen sooner rather than later.

Jul 19

Matt McLain • 2B • Reds

Matt McLain Rejoins Team, Continues Baseball Activities

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (calf) has rejoined the team after spending the All-Star break at the club's complex in Goodyear, Arizona, receiving treatment. He was seen with the team fielding ground balls and taking batting practice in Colorado ahead of the Reds' weekend series against the Rockies. If all goes well, he could be activated at any time, as his 10-day stint on the Injured List makes him eligible to return this weekend. The 26-year-old has had a disappointing season, hitting just eight home runs and stealing 11 bases while batting an underwhelming .190. He is worth rostering only in the deepest fantasy leagues as a depth piece due to his multi-position eligibility.

Jul 18

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo Has Blister Drained

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (finger) recently had the blister on his left index finger drained and has begun throwing a plyo ball. The plan is for him to continue throwing the plyo ball until the tenderness in the affected finger subsides. Until that happens, both Lodolo and the Reds want to keep the 28-year-old's arm as loose as possible so that he doesn't fall too far behind and require additional ramp-up time. The southpaw is unfortunately no stranger to blisters, as this is his second such injury of 2026, making it a recurring issue. As a result, his 4.60 ERA and 1.47 WHIP seem out of place for someone who appeared poised for a breakout just last season. The hope is that he can get this blister issue under control soon enough for his true potential to finally shine through.

Jul 18

Spencer Steer • 1B • Reds

Spencer Steer Clubs Two Homers, an Ascending Source of Power

Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer got his second half started on the right foot in the team's 7-2 win over the Colorado Rockies at hitter-friendly Coors Field on Friday night. Steer took advantage of the thin air in Denver to go 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, and a strikeout. The 28-year-old right-handed slugger is now batting .250/.330/.441 on the year with 16 home runs and 40 RBI in 362 plate appearances in his fifth year in Cincy. Steer is in just the 41st percentile in hard-hit rate in 2026, but he also sits in the 81st percentile in barrel rate, the 76th percentile in expected slugging, and the 74th percentile in xwOBA. He's also in the 77th percentile in xISO and is well on his way to setting a new career high in home runs this season with 16 through his first 92 games -- his career high was set in 2023 with 23 long balls. Steer isn't going to wow with his batting average or on-base skills, but the power is real in a hitter-friendly home environment. Fantasy managers seeking power need to add him off the waiver wire now. Steer is only rostered in 35% of Yahoo leagues.

Jul 17

Chase Burns • SP • Reds

Chase Burns Signs Seven-Year Extension With Reds

Right-hander Chase Burns and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a seven-year, $105 million contract extension on Thursday, a source told Jon Morosi of the MLB Network. It's the largest contract given to a pitcher with less than four years of MLB service. The Reds are locking up one of the best young arms in baseball for the long-term after a breakout first half in his first full season in the big leagues in 2026. The 23-year-old former second overall pick in 2024 out of Wake Forest University was unavailable to pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game due to a minor groin issue, but he's expected to return to Cincy's starting rotation next Tuesday to face the Seattle Mariners. In his first 18 starts (102 2/3 innings) this year, Burns has gone 11-1 with a 2.54 ERA (3.40 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 118 strikeouts and 37 walks for the Reds. He has been a must-start in all fantasy leagues as one of the best young strikeout arms in baseball, and his future is very bright as long as he can stay healthy. Burns could be a sell-high candidate in single-year fantasy leagues if the Reds look to manage his workload down the stretch.

Jul 16

Chase Burns • SP • Reds

Chase Burns Scheduled to Make his Next Start on Tuesday

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns (groin), who pulled out of the All-Star Game on Tuesday due to a groin issue that he picked up in his final start of the first half on July 8 against the Philadelphia Phillies, is penciled in to make his first start of the second half next Tuesday on the road against the Seattle Mariners, per MLB.com. Burns will avoid a trip to the injured list and will get some extra rest at the midway point of the season. The 23-year-old former second overall pick from Wake Forest University in 2024 has had a breakout first full season in the majors with the Reds in 2025, going 11-1 with a 2.54 ERA (3.40 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 118 strikeouts and 37 walks in 102 2/3 innings pitched across 18 starts. If anything, Burns might be a sell-high candidate in single-year fantasy leagues, but he's a firm hold in dynasty/keeper leagues for his high-end strikeout upside long-term. Going into the second half, Burns ranks in the 87th percentile in strikeout rate, the 89th percentile in whiff rate, and the 84th percentile in chase rate. Get ready to throw him back into your starting lineups next week in Seattle.

Jul 16

Héctor Rodríguez • LF • Reds

Hector Rodriguez Still Trending Up at Triple-A, a Top Stash for Power?

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez produced a strong first half at Triple-A Louisville, finishing 11-for-33 (.333) with five home runs over his final nine games before the break. For the season, the Reds' fifth-ranked prospect is slashing .284/.364/.546 with 23 home runs and six steals for the Bats. The left-handed hitter spent 53 games at Louisville last year, and though his strikeout rate increased from 16.5 percent to 20.2 percent from 2025 to 2026, his walk rate also increased from 5.2 percent to 10.4 percent, with both stats now sitting right around the Triple-A average. Though he logged at least 12 steals each season from 2022 through 2025, it isn't something fantasy managers looking for a stash option should count on, but his power is. With a barrel rate of 10.6 percent (81st percentile) and a max exit velocity of 113.7 mph (96th percentile), the power is legit. Fantasy managers in deeper 12-team leagues should consider stashing the 22-year-old who could help with home runs and RBI upon his call-up, which could happen by mid-August.

Jul 15

Chase Burns • SP • Reds

Chase Burns to Miss All-Star Game With Groin Tightness

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns (groin) will not pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game due to right-groin tightness, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. The 23-year-old reported the injury to manager Terry Francona on Friday. "He just said, 'I am just worried about doing something I shouldn't do,'" Francona said. Burns hurt his groin covering home plate on a wild pitch last Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning, but he stayed in the game and finished with 106 pitches through only five innings. The hard-throwing right-hander allowed a career-high six walks in that outing, but he said he didn't feel anything wrong while on the mound. It remains to be seen if Burns will be ready to roll for Cincy's starting rotation to begin the second half of the season, but it doesn't sound like his groin injury is serious enough to send him to the injured list. The former second overall pick from Wake Forest University in 2024 has been excellent in his first full year in the majors, going 11-1 with a 2.54 ERA (3.40 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 118 strikeouts and 37 walks in 102 2/3 frames over 18 starts.

Jul 13

Héctor Rodríguez • LF • Reds

Is Hector Rodriguez the Priority Stash Target for Home Run Potential?

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has continued to showcase high-end power at the top club in the minor leagues and is a high-end stash heading into the All-Star break. Despite carrying a modest .260 AVG over his last 14 games at Triple-A Louisville, Rodriguez has launched five home runs over this stretch with a .931 OPS. Overall on the season, the team's No. 5-ranked prospect (according to MLB.com) has hit 14 doubles, 23 home runs, and swiped six bags, while carrying a .284/.364/.564 line with a .910 OPS. The corner outfielder is worth a close look in the second half, as he may not need to wait long to earn the call, with both Noelvi Marte and JJ Bleday beginning to show some inconsistencies in the majors. For now, Rodriguez is a viable stash candidate in 12+ team leagues for managers needing late-season home run potential.

Jul 13

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Reds Place Nick Lodolo on Injured List With Blister

The Cincinnati Reds announced on Sunday that they placed left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his left index finger and recalled right-hander Chase Petty from Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. Lodolo's blister issues are getting frustrating for the Reds and fantasy managers. The talented southpaw opened the 2026 season on the IL with the same blister issue on his left index finger. The 28-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of Texas Christian University was pulled from his start early on Saturday against the division-rival Chicago Cubs after allowing two earned runs on five hits (one homer) while walking three and striking out four in five innings pitched for a no-decision. The first time around, when he dealt with a blister, Lodolo missed six weeks. He will be eligible to come off the IL on July 27, but fantasy managers probably should prepare for his absence to extend into August. In addition to recurring blister issues, Lodolo has a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate with a 4.60 ERA (5.09 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 27 walks in his 12 starts for the Reds in 2026. It's becoming harder to recommend him as a hold in shallow-mixed fantasy leagues.

Jul 12

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo Removed with Finger Blister

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (finger) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's outing against the Chicago Cubs. Lodolo was pulled out of the game in the sixth inning due to a blister on his left finger. He finished this outing allowing two runs on five hits while striking out four batters across five innings of work. Lodolo has dealt with blister issues over the last few seasons, so hopefully this won't result in a trip to the Injured List. He'll get a chance to rest and recover from the All-Star break. Fantasy managers will have a better idea of his status in the coming days. Chase Petty is a candidate to take his spot in the rotation if Lodolo does land on the shelf.

Jul 11

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