By MIKE ROBERTS
This past weekend, “postponed” was the theme for Cincinnati Reds baseball. Friday’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals was postponed due to rain, and the two National League Central rivals split a doubleheader on Saturday. Then Sunday’s contest between the two teams was also rained out, and rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on Aug. 17.
The Reds later won two of three games on the road against the floundering New York Mets. Heading into the home series against Atlanta that begins on Friday, Cincinnati owns a 29-26 record, good for fourth place in the Central.
Here are three takeaways from this past week.
Getting It Dunn
Years ago, the Reds had a star by the name of Adam Dunn. Now, there’s another Dunn in Cincinnati: Blake Dunn (.333 AVG., .863 OPS, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 SB), and while the jury is out on whether he turns out to be a two-time All-Star and beloved Red like Adam was, he’s still a solid player.
Dunn played the hero role in Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Cardinals, making an exciting sliding catch in the top of the 11th to save a run, then walking off the Reds in the bottom half of the inning to score Spencer Steer (.265 AVG., .765 OPS, 7 HR, 21 RBI, 3 SB) for the 7-6 victory. You’ve got to give Steer some credit as well, though, for his slide to beat the throw to the plate.
Dunn is having a very nice season with the Reds. His 17 hits this year are more than he had in 49 games combined in 2024 and 2025. The Michigan native recorded three hits in Wednesday’s 4-2 loss to New York and has emerged as the Reds’ leadoff hitter.
Back in the Nick of Time
As in Nick Lodolo (1-1, 5.57 ERA, 1.38 WHIP), who looked like his old self Monday against the Mets following three lackluster starts. He pitched six innings, allowing just one run and six hits with seven strikeouts and no walks.
Lodolo got support from hitters like JJ Bleday (.276 AVG., .951 OPS, 7 HR, 21 RBI, 1 SB), Tyler Stephenson (.194 AVG., .628 OPS, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 0 SB), and Steer as the Reds beat the Mets 7-2. It was the first win of the season for Lodolo, who made his 2026 debut on May 8 after being sidelined from spring training with a blister on his left index finger.
Plus, Monday’s game against the Mets wasn’t postponed. No rain. No delays. Imagine that!
The Reds need Lodolo at his best if they want to return to the playoffs this year.
Still The Man
Yes, another Reds report letting you know how good Chase Burns (7-1, 1.96 ERA, 0.96 WHIP) is. Sorry, but you can’t mention the 2026 Reds without giving some props to Burns. Whenever the talented right-hander’s on the mound, Cincinnati has its best chance at winning a ballgame. That’s for sure.
Burns has played like a superstar this season. He has won his last four starts, posting an impressive 1.54 ERA during that stretch. In Tuesday’s win over the Mets, he pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs, walking two batters, and recording eight strikeouts. Yep, he’s still The Man!
Looking Ahead
Six straight at home await the Reds. After opening a three-game set with the Braves on Friday, the Reds welcome the Kansas City Royals for a three-game series beginning on Monday.
Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule, including TV information and probable pitchers:
Friday, 5/29: 6:40 PM, MLB.TV/Reds.TV/BravesVision, Grant Homes (ATL) (3-2, 3.78 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) vs. Chris Paddack (CIN) (0-6, 6.86 ERA, 1.67 WHIP)
Saturday, 5/30: 7:15 PM, MLB.TV/FOX, Martin Perez (ATL) (2-3, 2.70 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) vs. Brady Singer (CIN) (2-4, 6.26 ERA, 1.70 WHIP)
Sunday, 5/31: 1:40 PM, MLB.TV/Reds.TV/BravesVision, Spencer Strider (ATL) (3-0, 3.46 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) vs. Nick Lodolo (CIN) (1-1, 5.57 ERA, 1.38 WHIP)
Monday, 6/1: 7:10 PM, MLB.TV/Reds.TV/Gray Media, TBD (KC) vs. TBD (CIN)
Tuesday, 6/2: 7:10 PM, MLB.TV/Reds.TV, TBD (KC) vs. TBD (CIN)
Wednesday, 6/3: 7:10 PM, MLB.TV/Reds.TV, TBD (KC) vs. TBD (CIN)