Cincinnati Reds News

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Sal Stewart • 3B • Reds

Sal Stewart in Lineup Despite Sore Forearm

Cincinnati Reds infield prospect Sal Stewart (forearm, wrist) is in the team's starting lineup on Saturday against the visiting Boston Red Sox and right-hander Sonny Gray despite dealing with a sore forearm from being hit by a line drive on Opening Day on Thursday, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer. He's starting at first base and batting in the cleanup spot. The 22-year-old came out of the gates strong on the plate on Thursday, going 3-for-4 with two doubles in the Opening Day loss to Boston. Between first base and designated hitter, Stewart should be a lineup regular for the Reds in his first full year in the majors in 2026, and he has plenty of slugging upside that will play in all fantasy formats, especially if he continues to hit in the heart of the batting order. The former first-rounder in 2022 went 14-for-55 (.255) with five home runs, eight RBI, and 11 runs scored in just 18 games last year in his big-league debut. Stewart is a big part of the Reds' future.

Yesterday

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo Could Start Rehab Assignment Next Week

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) will throw a bullpen session on Sunday and could pitch in a minor-league rehab game on Wednesday, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Lodolo opened the 2026 regular season on the 15-day injured list due to a blister on his left index finger, but he's making good progress and should be ready to rejoin Cincy's starting rotation by mid-April, barring a setback once he starts his rehab assignment in the minors. The 28-year-old southpaw could push fellow lefty Brandon Williamson out of the Reds' starting rotation upon his return. Lodolo, a former first-round pick by the Reds in 2019 out of TCU, should be stashed in all fantasy baseball formats for his high-strikeout upside. Injuries have been an issue for the lefty, but when healthy, Lodolo has an above-average 26.2% strikeout rate in his four major-league seasons.

Yesterday

Sal Stewart • 3B • Reds

Sal Stewart Tallies Three Hits on Opening Day

Cincinnati Reds first base prospect Sal Stewart went 3-for-4 on Opening Day with two doubles. Despite facing Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, Stewart filled the statsheet, hitting a double in his first at-bat against the Cy Young contender. Later in the contest, he would tally another hit off Crochet (a single) and would add his second double in the eighth inning. Stewart made his MLB debut late in the 2025 season and flashed high-end power during this short 18-game stint, hitting five round-trippers. During spring training, Stewart looked just as comfortable, carrying a .327/.450/.592 line with three home runs and four stolen bases over a 20-game sample. Fantasy managers should expect Stewart to remain a key part of the starting nine, seeing time at first, second, and third base. He remains a high-end corner infielder with five-category upside going forward.

2 days ago

Sal Stewart • 3B • Reds

Sal Stewart Hitting Cleanup for Reds on Opening Day

Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart is starting at first base and is batting cleanup for the Reds on Opening Day on Thursday against the visiting Boston Red Sox and left-hander Garrett Crochet, per MLB.com. Stewart has never faced Crochet in his career and will make for a tough sell in DFS lineups against one of the more dominant lefty arms in the game. Long-term, though, the 22-year-old former first-rounder in 2022 is a rising young power bat in fantasy baseball in the heart of what should be a pretty productive lineup. Stewart posted a 1.042 OPS, .327/.450/.592 slash line, three home runs, eight RBI, 11 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 20 Cactus League games for the Reds this spring and has breakout potential in Cincy in his first full MLB season as a regular. In 18 games in his big-league debut in 2025, Stewart went 14-for-55 (.255) with five long balls and eight RBI.

3 days ago

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Reds Place Nick Lodolo on 15-Day Injured List

As expected, the Cincinnati Reds officially announced on Wednesday that they placed left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to March 23) with a blister on his left index finger. Lodolo left his final Cactus League start last weekend with a blister issue, and as a precaution, the Reds are going to have him skip a start or two to begin the 2026 regular season. It means that all of Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson will be locked into the rotation to begin the year. When Lodolo returns, the Reds plan to rotate the three in the final two rotation spots due to their inexperience and recent injury history. It's a frustrating start for Lodolo, who has dealt with blister issues in the past, but he should still be rostered in all fantasy formats due to his high-strikeout upside. Barring a setback, Lodolo figures to be ready to come off the IL when he's eligible on April 7. The former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of TCU has a 26.2% strikeout rate and 6.7% walk rate in his first four big-league seasons with the Reds.

4 days ago

Brandon Williamson • SP • Reds

Brandon Williamson to Make First Start on March 31 Against Bucs

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Brandon Williamson will open the year as the team's No. 5 starter now that left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) is opening on the injured list, according to Rich Rovito of MLB.com. Initially, the plan was for Williamson and right-handers Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder to mix and match in the final two rotation spots to begin the 2026 campaign. Fantasy managers should temper expectations with Williamson this year after he missed all of the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery. The 27-year-old southpaw went 5-5 with a 4.39 ERA (4.84 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 110 strikeouts and 44 walks in 131 1/3 innings over 27 appearances (26 starts) for the Reds in the last two seasons after debuting in the big leagues in 2023. When Lodolo makes his return, potentially after one or two turns through the team's rotation in April, Williamson could be sent to the minors or moved to a long-relief role as the Reds look to manage his workload.

4 days ago

Rhett Lowder • SP • Reds

Rhett Lowder to Start Third Game of the Season for Reds

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder is expected to take on a much bigger role in the team's starting rotation in 2026, and he's lined up to make his first start of the year on Sunday, March 29, against the Boston Red Sox, according to MLB.com's Rich Rovito. The 24-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest made his big-league debut in 2024 and looked great, posting a 1.17 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 22:14 K:BB in 30 2/3 innings in a small sample size of just six starts. He didn't pitch in the majors at all in 2025 due to injuries. With Nick Lodolo (finger) starting on the injured list, Lowder will be locked into a rotation spot in Cincy, and he could stick there all season long. Lowder might not have the fantasy ceiling of teammate Chase Burns, but his fantasy stock is on the rise, and he's worth stashing as starting rotation depth in deep-mixed leagues. Lowder is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 106 fantasy starting pitcher going into his first full year in the majors.

4 days ago

Chase Burns • SP • Reds

Chase Burns to Start March 30 Against Pirates

Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect Chase Burns is scheduled to make his first start of the 2026 season on Monday, March 30, against the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Rich Rovito of MLB.com. Burns made his sixth and final start of spring training on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers and went five efficient innings while throwing 53 of his 68 pitches for strikes. He struck out the side in the first inning with a four-seam fastball, slider, and sinker combination. Burns allowed four hits (one homer) and two runs while striking out seven and walking none. Now that left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) is starting on the injured list, each of Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson will take turns in the Reds' rotation to begin the regular season. Burns, a hard-throwing 23-year-old and former second overall pick, has as much fantasy upside as any young pitcher in the game as he heads into his first full year in the big leagues. He's RotoBaller's No. 36 fantasy starting pitcher after fanning 67 batters in 43 1/3 innings in his major-league debut in 2025.

4 days ago

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo Will Open 2026 on the Injured List Due to Finger Ailment

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (finger) will open 2026 on the injured list due to a blister on his left index finger, per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Lodolo enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, posting a 9-8 record with a 3.33 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 156 strikeouts across 156 2/3 innings (28 starts). However, the 28-year-old has battled injuries throughout his career and is no stranger to finger ailments specifically, which caused him to miss time in both 2024 and 2025. Without Lodolo and star right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) to open the year, the Reds will likely be relying on starting pitchers Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson at the back end of their rotation. Lodolo's current ailment may not ultimately cause him to miss much time, but his continued issues with blisters are a red flag for fantasy managers to be aware of.

5 days ago

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo Plays Light Catch, Status for Opening Day Still TBD

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) played light catch in camp on Tuesday for "maybe 15-20 throws," according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer. Lodolo said he doesn't know what the plan will be going into Opening Day on Thursday, and that the team is "working on it." He said the blister issue on his finger was OK, but didn't "sound particularly enthused." Beginning the 2026 regular season on the injured list is still in play for Lodolo as he recovers from a blister on his left index finger that forced him from his Cactus League outing on Sunday. If the 28-year-old does start in the IL, he will hopefully only miss a short amount of time to begin the year. If Lodolo begins the year in Cincy's Opening Day starting rotation, his first start of the year will be a risky one for fantasy managers this Saturday against the Boston Red Sox. With high-end strikeout upside, the former TCU standout is a must-roster pitcher in all fantasy formats in 2026.

5 days ago

Matt McLain • 2B • Reds

Matt McLain Returns to Tuesday's Action

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (illness) is back at second base and is batting second in the team's exhibition game on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer. McLain caught a bug going around the team's clubhouse and was held out of Monday's exhibition game. The 26-year-old former 17th overall pick in 2021 out of UCLA has major bounce-back potential for fantasy managers in 2026 near the top of a powerful Reds lineup. McLain turned heads as a rookie in 2023 with a .290/.357/.507 slash line with 16 homers, 50 RBI, and 14 stolen bases, but he missed all of 2024 due to injuries and returned as a disappointment last year. He hit .220/.300/.343 in 2025 with 15 homers, 50 RBI, and 18 steals in 147 games played. McLain has mashed this spring, going 27-for-51 (.529) with seven homers and 16 RBI in 17 Cactus League games. He's an excellent choice as a starting second baseman in fantasy after some of the high-end names at the position come off the board.

5 days ago

Hunter Greene • SP • Reds

Reds Place Hunter Greene on 60-Day Injured List

The Cincinnati Reds announced on Monday that they placed right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) on the 60-day injured list after he had surgery this month to remove bone chips from his right elbow. In a corresponding move, the team selected the contract of infielder Nathaniel Lowe from Triple-A Louisville. Greene will be eligible to make his 2026 debut in late May, but there's a good chance we won't see him until the second half of the season. It's a serious blow to the Reds' pitching staff and for any fantasy managers that already have Greene rostered. You'll want to keep him stashed everywhere for his high-end strikeout upside when he finally returns this year. With Greene on the shelf for the foreseeable future, the Reds chose to keep all of Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Brandon Williamson on the Opening Day roster to split the final two spots in the starting rotation to begin the year.

6 days ago

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo to Play Catch on Tuesday

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo's (finger) status for Opening Day later this week remains up in the air, but he will play catch on Tuesday, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer. Manager Terry Francona said there are three options for Lodolo: To stay on schedule and start on March 28, which is viewed as the longest shot, get pushed back to the back of the starting rotation, or to go on the injured list and lose at least the first 12 days of the 2026 season. The 28-year-old southpaw was pulled early from his Cactus League outing on Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians with a blister issue on his left index finger. It's not the first time that Lodolo has dealt with blister problems, so we wouldn't be surprised if he goes on the IL. Injuries have been an issue for Lodolo in his career, but he still has No. 2 starting pitcher upside because of his 26.2% career strikeout rate. In five Cactus League starts this spring, Lodolo allowed 12 runs (11 earned) while walking four and striking out 18 in 13 2/3 innings pitched.

6 days ago

Matt McLain • 2B • Reds

Matt McLain Out Monday With Illness

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (illness) will not play in the team's exhibition game on Monday night against the Milwaukee Brewers because he caught a bug that has been going around the Reds' clubhouse, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer. McLain is doing pre-game work, though, and he's expected to play in Tuesday's final exhibition game before Opening Day on Thursday. The 26-year-old former first-rounder out of UCLA is a sleeper second baseman in fantasy baseball this year who is projected to hit second in a hitter-friendly home environment in Cincy. McLain burst onto the scene in 2023 in his rookie season and hit .290 with 16 home runs, 50 RBI, and 14 stolen bases in 89 games. He didn't play at all in 2024 due to injury before disappointing with a .220/.300/.343 slash line, 15 homers, 50 RBI, and 18 steals in 147 games in 2025. McLain has torn the cover off the baseball in spring training, going 27-for-51 (.529) with seven home runs, 16 RBI, 18 runs scored, and two steals in 17 Cactus League games played.

6 days ago

Sal Stewart • 3B • Reds

Sal Stewart Likely to Hit Cleanup for the Reds?

Cincinnati Reds corner infield prospect Sal Stewart could be one of the few young players whom veteran Reds manager Terry Francona entrusts to regularly bat in the cleanup spot, speculates Reds beat writer Charlie Goldsmith. The 22-year-old Stewart made his MLB debut in 2025, hitting .253/.295/.543 with five home runs in just 58 plate appearances. It appears the team is planning for him to play a prominent role in 2026, and he turned heads by hitting .333 with three home runs and four stolen bases across 54 Cactus League plate appearances this spring. Stewart seems likely to open the year as Cincinnati's starting first baseman, although he could also rotate through designated hitter with Reds veterans Eugenio Suarez and Spencer Steer. If Stewart can stick in the middle of the Cincinnati lineup, he could provide positive value across all five categories for fantasy managers in 2026.

6 days ago

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo Exits Early With a Blister

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (finger) was pulled from his Cactus League start on Sunday due to a blister on his left index finger, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19 (via radio broadcaster Tommy Thrall). Lodolo was clearly dealing with discomfort, as he threw just 10 pitches (four strikes) before exiting. He allowed two runs, including a homer, without recording a single out. It's too early to tell whether the blister might impact his availability for the Reds' opening series against the Boston Red Sox. The Reds' projected No. 2 starter is looking to build on a strong 2025 campaign in which he went 9-8 with a 3.66 xFIP, 8.96 K/9, and 1.78 BB/9. Lodolo currently ranks #30 among starting pitchers in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.

7 days ago

Matt McLain • 2B • Reds

Matt McLain Carries Post-Hype Sleeper Potential After Dominant Spring

After missing the entire 2024 season with a shoulder injury, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain managed to log 577 plate appearances in 2025. However, the 26-year-old had his struggles at the plate, slashing .220/.300/.343 with 15 home runs, 50 RBI, 73 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. McLain struck out in 28.9% of his plate appearances while also recording a middling 7.7% barrel rate. Now nearly two years removed from his shoulder troubles, McLain is starting to show signs of a breakout. He has dominated Cactus League action to a .529/.571/1.020 slash line with seven home runs across 56 plate appearances. If McLain can get back to the 10.8% barrel rate he posted as a rookie in 2023, he could emerge as a legitimately high-end power/speed threat relative to his peers at second base. McLain's impressive spring should have him rising up draft boards, and he has the type of high-upside profile that could be worth gambling on for fantasy managers.

7 days ago

Brady Singer • SP • Reds

Brady Singer Back on Schedule After Blister Issue

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Brady Singer (finger) says the blister on his index finger is back to normal and said he's "right back on regular schedule," according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer. FOX 19's Charlie Goldsmith reports that Singer will pitch in an exhibition game on Monday in Milwaukee against the Brewers. The Reds pulled Singer early from his Cactus League game on Wednesday due to the blister, but there's nothing to worry about heading into the start of the 2026 regular season next week. In his first season in Cincy in 2025, Singer went 14-12 with a 4.03 ERA (3.98 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with a 163:60 K:BB in 169 2/3 innings over 32 starts. Not only does Singer, who is a ground-ball pitcher, pitch in a pretty hitter-friendly environment, but he doesn't have a ton of strikeout upside with a 22.1% strikeout rate in his six big-league seasons. Singer is best used to round out starting rotations in deep-mixed and NL-only leagues with more of a stable floor as a late-round flier.

Mar 20

Brady Singer • SP • Reds

Brady Singer Plans to Make Next Start

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brady Singer (finger) exited early during Wednesday's Cactus League outing versus the Colorado Rockies. Singer threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts before a blister forced him to exit the game. Afterwards, Singer said that he didn't want to make the issue worse, so he left out of precaution. He continued by saying, the blister is almost gone, and he'll be ready for his next start. The 29-year-old sounds confident that this blister won't force him to miss any action. His first start of the regular season won't come until March 29, so he should be ready by then. Last season, Singer posted a 4.03 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 163:60 K/BB ratio across 32 starts. He's pitching his home games in hitter-friendly Cincinnati, which won't help his fantasy value. Singer is more of a deep league option to start the season.

Mar 20

Brady Singer • SP • Reds

Brady Singer Leaves Wednesday's Game With a Blister

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Brady Singer (finger) left his Cactus League outing on Wednesday with a blister, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Before being pulled, Singer threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies with two hits allowed, a walk, and three strikeouts. It's unclear if the 29-year-old's blister injury will prevent him from making his first start of the 2026 regular season, which is scheduled to come on March 29 against the Boston Red Sox. In his first full year in Cincy after being acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals, the former 18th overall pick from Florida in 2018 went 14-12 with a 4.03 ERA (3.98 FIP), 1.24 WHIP, and 163:60 K:BB in 169 2/3 innings over 32 starts. Singer pitches in a very hitter-friendly home ballpark and has a modest 22.1% strikeout rate in his six big-league seasons, so he relies heavily on his sinker to keep the ball out of the air. In shallow mixed leagues, fantasy managers should be able to find better upside pitching targets late in drafts.

Mar 18

Cincinnati Reds News

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