By MIKE ROBERTS
The Cincinnati Reds failed to make any progress in the standings, going 3-3 in the past week. The Reds took two of three from the St.Louis Cardinals before losing two out of three against the cross-state rival Cleveland Guardians. Heading into Thursday night’s game with the Pirates, the Reds (50-57) remain dead last in the National League Central, trailing the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers by a whopping 16.5 games in the standings.
The Reds also sit six games back of the third wild card going into Thursday’s action. It’s fueling speculation as to whether the Reds will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline this Monday, with even Hunter Greene receiving significant interest.
Here are four takeaways from the week that was for the Reds:
The Reds Have Become Road Warriors
Whether it’s baseball, football, basketball, or any team sport, it’s difficult to win on the road. Competing without the support of your home fans just makes things harder.
By beating St. Louis, the Reds have now won three straight road series for the first time since 2023. That also evens Cincinnati’s road record at 27-27.
During that 2023 season, Cincinnati won seven consecutive road series, a mark that hadn’t been achieved since 1976. That ’23 Reds squad went 18-3 during that 21-game stretch on the road. A run like that would get this Reds team back into the playoff chase.
Eugenio Suárez’s Milestone
If Cincinnati chooses to sell at the deadline, it could wind up dealing Eugenio Suárez (.204 AVG., .673 OPS, 14 HR, 39 RBI), who could provide contending teams with some extra power. But for now, Suárez is still a member of the Reds. The two-time All-Star was instrumental in Friday night’s 4-2 victory over the Cardinals, blasting a two-run home run to left-center.
That 435-foot shot was his 203rd career home run with the Reds, which tied him with Eric Davis for 10th on the franchise’s all-time home run list. Davis, of course, is a Reds legend, who helped the team win the 1990 World Series.
Unfortunately, Suárez has really struggled since then, going a combined 1-of-16 in the ensuing four games. He’s hitting just .203 in July, with his overall average just above the Mendoza Line. Still, Suárez needs only seven more home runs to tie some guy by the name of Ken Griffey Jr.
Lowder Bounces Back
Reds hurler Rhett Lowder (3-7, 5.61 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) had a strong no-decision start on Friday, allowing only two runs on one hit over his five innings on the mound. The right-hander also struck out four batters and carried a no-hit bid into the fifth inning.
It was surely a bounceback effort for Lowder, who got roughed up by the Rockies for eight runs during his previous appearance. While Friday’s performance wasn’t enough to get in the win column, it was a step in the right direction for the 24-year-old. That Colorado outing really threw off what was otherwise a solid July for Lowder.
Dane Myers Playing the Hero Role
Dane Myers (.267 AVG, .741 OPS, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 7 SB) has had a few clutch moments for the Reds this season. He was at his best in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians in the second game of a doubleheader due to Monday’s game being postponed due to rain and storms.
Myers made an incredible, leaping game-saving catch against the center field wall on Cleveland’s Petey Halpin’s drive for the final out. Myers also singled in the game and has recorded nine hits over the last eight contests, serving as a solid contributor.
Looking Ahead
The Reds continue their 10-game homestand, facing the Pirates for four games starting tonight, then having Monday off before a three-game series against the Athletics that begins Tuesday.
Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule, including TV information and probable pitchers:
Thursday, 7/30: 7:10 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, Yohan Ramirez (PIT) (6-3, 3.21 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) vs. Rhett Lowder (CIN) (3-7, 5.61, 1.57 WHIP)
Friday, 7/31: 6:10 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, Paul Skenes (PIT) (9-9, 3.65 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) vs. Hunter Greene (CIN) (2-2, 7.06 ERA, 1.34 WHIP)
Saturday, 8/1: 6:40 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, Braxton Ashcraft (PIT) 10-4, 4.05 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) vs. (CIN) Andrew Abbott (5-6, 3.85 ERA, 1.38 WHIP)
Sunday, 8/2: 1:40 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, Mitch Keller (PIT) (6-7, 4.83 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) vs. Chase Burns (CIN) (12-1, 2.40 ERA, 1.12 WHIP)
Tuesday, 8/4: 6:40 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, TBD (ATH) vs. TBD (CIN)
Wednesday, 8/5: 6:40 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, TBD (ATH) vs. TBD (CIN)
Thursday, 8/6: 12:40 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, TBD (ATH) vs. TBD (CIN)