Rookie Set To Bat Cleanup

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

Sal Stewart doesn't know he's a rookie according to manager Terry Francona.

Like a rookie from Francona's past, Dustin Pedroia of the 2007 World Championship Boston Red Sox, Stewart has an abundance of confidence. He is not arrogant, he just believes in his abilities.

Francona trusts him enough to bat him cleanup behind Elly De La Cruz to start the season with Eugenio Suarez behind Stewart. That has been the lineup since Suarez returned from the World Baseball Classic.

"I reserve the right to draw a lineup up that day," Francona cautioned. "I may change my mind on the plane but the reason that we're doing it is we think it gives Geno (Eugenio Suarez) a chance to drive in more runs. I think with Elly hitting third, when we separate things with strikeouts, but we also have a guy that can trail Elly. Geno can cleanup some of the mess there. That's the idea. Me and Freddie (Benavides) and Nap (Mike Napoli) have talked through that a lot. It gives us a chance to be more productive for us. It is not an indictment on Geno."

One of the emphasis this spring has been to approve base running. Stewart as an example, in the game against the Chicago White Sox, Stewart ended up on third base when De La Cruz was caught in a rundown between third and home.

De La Cruz had just tripled with no outs. Stewart hit a one hop back to the pitcher. Stewart ran hard to first as De La Cruz broke toward home. Pitcher Sean Newcome put De La Cruz in a pickle. Stewart didn't just stroll to second. He ran hard to third. He scored a pitch or two later on a wild pitch the catcher blocked in front of the plate. He read the ball as the catcher had to retrieve the ball in fair territory.

"Sal has run the bases so well this spring," Francona said.

First of all, Stewart has been on base 47 percent of the time.

"I think Geno will have more RBI," Francona said.

When the Reds signed Suarez, it was good news for Francona. He pointed out that when he put some in the cleanup spot last season and the player struggled, they would show frustration.

"Sal's not putting his head down, ever," Francona acknowledged. "It is a pretty good compliment to Sal."

Stewart was not quite ready last spring even though he impressed people in camp. "He is going to be a good major league hitter some day, we just don't know when," Francona said.

Stewart went to the minor leagues, starting in Double A Chattanooga. He hit .306 with 19 doubles and 10 home runs. He drove in 44 in 80 games. His on-base-percentage was .377. The Reds promoted him to Triple A Louisville, where he played 38 games, hitting even better at a .315 clip with 15 doubles and 10 home runs. 

The Reds promoted him to make his big league debut on September first against the Toronto Blue Jays. He started the game at first base. Stewart played first base for the first time in that game. Coming up through the minor leagues, he played second and third base. 

At 21 years old, Stewart became the youngest position player to play in the postseason in Reds' history. He played both games of the Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is the youngest overall since Manny Sarmiento pitched in Game 4 of the 1976 World Series at the age of 20.

Stewart who works out in the off season with San Diego Padres star, Manny Machado, has trimmed some fat during the off season.

He's played second base, third base and first base this spring.

"We've played him more at first base this spring because that is where he's had the least experience," Francona said.

Stewart performed well all spring. Although spring training results can be deceiving, the young right handed hitter is hitting, .357 in 17 games going into the last Cactus League game against the Cleveland Guardians. He has been on base at a .471 rate. His slugging percentage is .667 with four doubles, three home runs and eight RBI. He collected four stolen bases without being caught. He has walked more times, nine than he's struck out, seven. 

His eye at the plate is so good, he has won several challenges through the ABS system this spring.

Reds White Sox Abbott Declares Himself Ready The Best He's Thrown All Spring Training

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

With the help of manager Terry Francona and pitching coach Derek Johnson, Andrew Abbott was able to flush frustration and spin the game against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday (032126).

Abbott threw 84 pitches with 52 strikes and declared himself ready for his start on opening day against the other Sox, the Boston Red Sox.

"I thought it was the best I have in spring training, a lot of soft contact, one hard hit ball, in the zone with all pitches, a lot of swing and miss in the zone, only walked one guy. I just felt very competitive. The mechanics that I've been working on were good. The cutter was great, the change up was good other than the one Pereira hit out," Abbott said. 

Pereira homered with a man on in the second inning with two outs and a man on.

"It was the only mistake I made. It was actually out of the zone. he put a good swing on it. The only gripe I had was that it was up."

Abbott rebounded from an outing in which he allowed eight runs in two innings. Against the White Sox, Abbott allowed five runs but three were unearned. Two scored after he left the game in mid inning in the fourth. An error by Sal Stewart had the bases loaded with two outs. Jimmy Ramano gave up a single with the bases loaded resulting in the two runs.

Abbott returned in the fifth and gave up a leadoff double and the run scored on two ground outs. He completed the inning with 4 2/3 innings allowing five runs, three earned on four hits and a walk.

"Tito said, hey you're not going to throw well every game. Just get it out of your head. DJ was right behind him and said. Let's be external. Whatever happens, let it go. Don't dwell on it and let's keep making pitches. I think that message kind of hit home. I haven't been myself and been more frustrated than I probably should," Abbott said.

TJ Friedl had two hits, including a bunt single that started a five-run rally. Matt McLain singled Friedl to third. Elly De La Cruz tripled over the head of right fielder Everson Pereira. De La Cruz was caught in a rundown on a bouncer back to the pitcher by Sal Stewart. He was out lunging for home but Stewart made it to third and scored on a wild pitch by Sean Newcomb. Jose Trevino hit a two run home run following a walk to Eugenio Suarez.

Will Benson homered off left hander Sean Newcomb. Sal Stewart hit an RBI single in the first inning. 

McLain is hitting .529 going into the last Cactus League game. Stewart is hitting .357.

Pierce Johnson, Tony Santillan and Connor Phillips put up zeroes during their stints.

Sam Moll, who was informed he made the team this afternoon, allowed two runs on three hits in his inning.

Terry Francona assigned Mike Napoli to manage the last four innings for the Reds after the minor leaguers came in.

"I want to be a manager someday, so Terry told me to take over when the minor leaguers came in. We've been letting Neboa coach first so he told me to go ahead and manage," Napoli said.

He is undefeated as manager the Reds rallied for four runs in the bottom of the ninth with the game tied 7-7. 

Facing Frankeli Arias, Nathaniel Lowe, who won a roster spot as a non-roster player, singled to open the ninth. Napoli put in Yeycol Soriano to pinch run. Rueben Ibarra walked. Napoli pinch ran Naibel Mariano. Napoli put on the sacrifice and Esmith Pineda executed a good sac bunt. Will Banfield struck out. Austin Hendricks was hit by a pitch to load the bases. PJ Higgins took a 3-2 pitch and lined it into the right field pavilion for a walk-off grand slam home run and an 11-7 win.

"You get guys on and move them to scoring position," Napoli explained.

Andrew Abbott Tries To Shake Frustrations Against The Chicago White Sox

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

Left hander Andrew Abbott looks to shake frustration in his last pre -season start against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday (032126).

Abbott, who was named opening day starter, has allowed 20 runs in 13 innings. He has his pitch count up and scheduled to pitch five innings against the Sox.

In his last outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Abbott was touched for eight runs, on eight hits and three walks. He struck out just three. The farthest into a game he has gone is 3 2/3 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 11.

The lineup behind Abbott is:

TJ Friedl CF

Matt McLain 2B

Elly De La Cruz SS

Sal Stewart 1B

Eugenio Suarez DH

Noelvi Marte RF

Jose Trevino C

Will Benson LF

Ke'Bryan Hayes 3B

The Reds play their final game in Arizona on Sunday (022226) before flying to Milwaukee to face the Brewers in two games, Monday and Tuesday. Nick Lodolo will pitch against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday at 12:05 Eastern Time, an hour early. Regulars in the game will get their at bats and prepare for the bus to the airport.

Brady Singer is scheduled to start on Monday in Milwaukee. Chase Burns is penciled in for Tuesday in Milwaukee. Brandon Williamson will pitch in a minor league game at the Reds Complex on Wednesday before flying to Cincinnati.

Hunter Greene will stay in Arizona after bone chips in his right elbow were surgically removed. It will be six weeks before he can start throwing. He is scheduled to return to the Reds sometime in July.

Reds Finalize Roster Four Games Until Opening Day

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

It isn't always the case but all the players know where they are going to be next Wednesday. The can send their cars to the right city and secure living space at least to start the 2026 season.

History tells us that some players, who were disappointed today, will be playing in Cincinnati before the playoffs role around. So will have larger roles than they are thinking right now.

"We talked to every body," Terry Francona said.

"We talked to (Sam) Moll. He's on," Francona said.

Moll was up and down last season after an injury riddled spring in 2025. He pitched in Cincinnati last season and has used up his options. Moll had to make the team or be put on waivers. Pierce Johnson, Tony Santillan and Brock Burke all are out of options. Those four will be in the Reds bullpen. Burke and Moll are the left handers in the bullpen. Caleb Ferguson is also left handed and will likely be the 26th man on the roster once his strained oblique clears up. He has been moving his arm, simulating throwing without using his oblique. Ferguson will get another MRI on Wednesday in Cincinnati.

"The last four outings, Moll's stuff has really ticked up," Francona said. "The change up has been really good. With Ferguson down, it gives us that second lefty. It just seemed to make sense to me." 

The Starting rotation is set with Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, and two out of Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson, who had the best spring among them all.

One of the later three will be counted as a bullpen arm at least to start the season with Hunter Greene, who will likely go on the 60-day injured list at the start of the season. That will clear a 40-man roster spot for one player.

Emilio Pagan, Connor Phillips and Graham Ashcraft will join Johnson, Santillan, Burke and Ferguson.

"We talked to (Zach) Maxwell," Francona said. "We told him he would start in Triple A. We told him to knock the door down. He's one to bash that sucker down. As he works ahead (in the count), he's got the chance to abuse some hitters. When he doesn't he has a chance to do what we just saw." Back-to-back doubles in the game against the Cubs on Friday night. 

"We talked to (Rece) Hinds and told him he would start in Triple A. We talked to (JJ) Bleday and told him he would start in Triple A. We told Lowe, he made the club," Francona said.

Lowe is out of options and signed as a minor league player with an invitation to the Major League spring training camp. He will need to be placed on the 40-man roster.

"It wasn't just that Lowe didn't have any options. It was the role. It is a bench role," Francona said. "We really want Bleday and Hinds to play and we told them that."

The Reds feel that is would be a disservice to Bleday and Hinds to sit on the Major League bench and only get to play sporadically.

"They both swung the bat really well.

Bleday played in 15 games, getting 44 plate appearances with a .317 batting average, .364 on-base-percentage, three doubles and four home runs for a .683 slugging percentage and 1.047 OPS.

Hinds played in 21 games with 43 plate appearances with a .410 batting average, .465 on-base-percentage and a .949 slugging percentage with four doubles, a triple and five home runs. His OPS was 1.414.

Lowe played first base while the other two are outfielders. He hit .270 in 15 games with 42 plate appearances, a .357 OBP, and a .622 slugging percentage and .970 OPS with four doubles and three home runs. Lowe has the experience to better handle, not playing every day.

"We talked to Lowe about the role. We told Hinds that he couldn't have done more. I was very careful how I worded it with him," Francona said. "You did enough to make the team. The role is a bench spot and we want you to play."

The outfield will be Dane Myers, TJ Friedl, Noelvi Marte, and Will Benson. Lowe will mostly be a left handed bat off the bench. Spencer Steer is listed as an infielder but will also play outfield quite a bit during the season as well as first base and second base.

"I think we're deeper than we were last year. I know it's disappointing for players to hear they're going to Triple A," Francona said. "It is a good feeling when you can send a guy to Triple A, who I think could help us. We have Mey, Maxwell and (Yunior) Marte, there's some good arms. Bleday and Hinds had great springs and we told them that. The big hope it the disappointment doesn't get in the way. I don't think it will but that's what we talk to them about."

The catchers are Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino. The six infielders are: Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Sal Stewart and Eugenio Suarez.

"We're not trying to turn Steer into a utility player. We consider him an every day player," Francona said. 

Reds Clobber Cubs Opening Day Starter Brandon Williamson Is Back Baby

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

The Reds faced Chicago Cubs opening day starter, Mathew Boyd, in the last Cactus League road trip of the spring. 

Tyler Stephenson followed a double by Sal Stewart, who scored on a throwing error by Pete Crow-Armstrong with a 447 foot home run against Boyd. Dane Myers opened the third inning with a single. Jose Trevino, the designated hitter to get an extra at bat, walked. Matt McLain hit his seventh Cactus League home run to put the Reds up 5-0. Later in the inning, Eugenio Suarez walked and Spencer Steer singled. Manager Craig Counsel removed Boyd.

Minor leaguer, Tyler Beede, finished the inning. Boyd returned for the top of the fourth.

Williamson retired the first seven Cubs' batters until James Triantos singled through a big hole 'between first and second base. Jefferson Rojas singled but was thrown out at second by center fielder, Myers. Williamson faced a bases loaded one out jam but got Moises Ballesteros to hit a hot smash to Elly De La Cruz at shortstop, McLain had to throw across his body and his low throw was scooped by Stewart.

Stewart lined his second double of the game to left center and scored on a Suarez single. Steer put the Reds up 8-0 with a line home run to left field.

Rojas hit his fourth home run of the spring with two outs in the fifth but Williamson became the first Reds' pitcher to complete five innings. He pitched one out into the sixth, giving up a hit but no runs. He finished 5 1/3 innings, throwing 75 pitches with 53strikes in 100 degree heat.

"I've been out here two summers so I've pitched in heat like this. I was a little tired in the sixth but not because of the heat," Williamson said. "That was probably the best test this spring. I faced their top lineup and was able to get through it three times. It really doesn't go as planned like this. I got some early outs. I take pride in going deep in the game."

Williamson left with an 8-1 lead.

Nikolas worked off some rust in 2/3 inning, just joining the team from pitching for Italy in the WBC. He walked four and allowed a run.

Brock Burke gave up three runs in his inning, allowing a two-run home run to James Triantos.

Zach Maxwell gave up back-to-back doubles to start the ninth but settled in to finish the inning. He walked one and struck out one.

He (Williamson) has been really good," Terry Francona said. "He throws all of his pitches for strikes. He's throwing a mid-90's fastball. He's been fun to watch."

Williamson will stay behind when the team goes to Milwaukee for games Monday and Tuesday. He will pitch in a minor league game on Wednesday and fly back to Cincinnati.

Eugenio Suarez had his first day back after driving in the winning run in the World Baseball Classic championship game against the USA team.

"It is good to be back with the boys," Suarez said. "It was such a good time in the WBC. We have so much talent on this team here. It is going to be a good season."

Offensively, Matt McLain had two hits in four at bats, including his seventh home run. He is at .542 for the spring with a 1.648 on-base-plus-slugging percentage.

Sal Stewart hit two doubles and is hitting .359.

"He is paying attention to base running. He knows that is what it will take for us to win," Francona said.

Brandon Williamson Makes Last Tune Up Start Against The Chicago Cubs

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

Brandon Williamson has proven that he is all the way back from shoulder surgery. He was told that he will be on the Reds' opening day roster

Williamson has pitched 11 innings in four games this spring. He allowowed two runs on six hits and two walks, striking out 13 batters.

The lineup is:

Jose Trevino DH

Matt McLain 2B

Elly De La Cruz SS

Sal Stewart 1B

Eugenio Suarez 3B

Spencer Steer LF

Tyler Stephenson C

Noelvi Marte RF

Dane Myers CF

The Reds will get their first look at Kyle Nikolas who will follow Williamson to the mound at some point. He pitched in the World Baseball Classic for Team Italy.

Luis Mey Optioned To Louisville

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

Hard throwing right hander Luis Mey was optioned to Triple A Louisville after pitching in the Reds split squad loss to the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe, Arizona.

Mey pitched one inning against the Angels on Wednesday. He allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning with one strikeout.

Mey pitched in nine games covering eight innings, allowing nine runs on 11 hits and three walks. He struck out 11. 

Brady Singer Leaves Start Early But Throws Zeroes

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

Brady Singer was supposed to get up to 75 pitches in the game against the Colorado Rockies but he developed a blister on his right index finger. He left the game with two outs and the bases empty in the fourth inning. Singer threw 51 pitches, 35 for strikes.

The right hander who is scheduled to start the third game of the season against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday March 29.

"It being hot out there, I didn't want to take the chance of it opening up. I was at 50 pitches. I felt pretty good about where I was," Singer said. "I'll be fine. It's almost gone already. I'll take care of it and be back out there for the next one."

Teammate Nick Lodolo has them all the time. This is a first for Singer.

"I don't even know, I've never had it happen. I don't know if it is the heat out here or the dry air. We'll put some stuff on it. I felt fine. I just came out because we didn't want to hurt it but I felt good otherwise."

Singer allowed two hits and a walk in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out three and picked a base runner off second base. Catcher Will Banfield threw Brett Sullivan out stealing.

Minor leaguer, Thomas Farr, picked up an inning and a third. He allowed two hits, including a home run by Ryan Ritter.

Pierce Johnson and Connor Phillips pitched scoreless innings.

Hot hitting Matt McLain had three hits in three at bats, including the first of four consecutive doubles in the Reds four-run fourth inning.

Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson and Spencer Steer double also against Jose Quintana the left handed Rockies starter. Steer stole third and scored when Brett Sullivan threw the ball into left field.

De La Cruz, Stephenson, Steer and Derek Lowe were all 1-for-3 with a double.

Miller and Francisco Urbaez committed errors in the Rockies six-run eighth.

The Last Split Squad Games Colorado Rockies At Goodyear Los Angles Angels In Tempe

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

Brady Singer will pitch to the Colorado Rockies in Goodyear. He is coming off a good outing against the San Francisco Giants on March 13. He pitched four innings of scoreless baseball, allowing three hits and two walks. He struck out two.

The lineup behind him is:

TJ Friedl LF

Matt McLain 2B

Elly De La Cruz SS

Tyler Stephenson DH

Spencer Steer RF

Nathaniel Lowe 1B

Dane Myers CF

Ke'Bryan Hayes 3B

Will Banfield C

Chase Burns will pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe.

Burns backed off and pitched just two innings against the San Francisco Giants SS on March 13. He allowed one hit and struck out two without a run scoring.

The lineup behind Burns is:

Will Benson CF

Noelvi Marte RF

JJ Bleday LF

Sal Stewart 1B

Jose Trevino C

Rece Hinds DH

Garrett Hampson 2B

PJ Higgins 3B

Edwin Arroyo SS

Arroyo is back from the WBC where he played for Puerto Rico.

Hagen Danner Just Missed The Cut

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

The last non-roster pitcher, Hagen Danner, was reassigned to minor league camp.

Danner was a tough decision and fell out of the running for the last spot in the Reds' bullpen.

The 27-year old from Huntington Beach, California was the second round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017 as a catcher. He was converted to a pitcher in 2021.

The Reds signed Danner to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training on January 7. He pitched in nine games this spring covering 8 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks. He struck out 10.

Danner last pitched in the Major Leagues in 2023. He was in one game with Toronto and only pitched 1/3 an inning.

The Seattle Mariners claimed him off waivers last January. He spent the season at Tacoma and put up a 6-4 record with a 5.59 ERA over 56 1/3 innings.

Terry Francona told Danner he was the highlight of the camp. He pitched that well but he was caught up in the numbers game. He was a non-roster and needed to be added to the 40-man for the Reds to bring him to Cincinnati.

The risk was too great for Reds' management.

"I called him in and told him that he wouldn't be added to the roster. I asked if he was ready to listen. Sometimes when players get bad news the aren't ready to listen, so you bring them back. He was great," Francona said. "He's an easy kid to root for."

"If you take a kid like that on opening day, then you run into a problem a week in, he understood," Francona said "He did nothing not to make the team. He was a 5.59 pitcher last year. He looked like he was a better pitcher than that."

The Reds also got Kyle Nicolas back in camp. He was on Team Italy and didn't pitch much.

Nicolas will pitch against the White Sox on Friday night in Goodyear. The Reds are going to option him but leave him in Arizona until he builds up innings.

"He is going to throw a side with DJ