Cincinnati Reds

TJ Friedl was lifted from Sunday’s game after being hit by a pitch. (Source: Charlie Goldsmith on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Friedl was hit in the left hand and appeared to injure his thumb. He will likely undergo further testing before the team determines if an IL stint is required.

Nick Lodolo endured a rough outing in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Giants.

Fantasy Impact: He allowed four earned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out six over six innings. Despite this setback, Lodolo's season numbers remain strong, with a 3.34 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP through six starts. His 11.1 K/9 and 4.78 strikeout-to-walk ratio continue to make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, particularly in categories that reward strikeouts and WHIP. However, his performance in this game might raise concerns about consistency, especially given the relatively low BABIP (.259) that suggests he might have benefited from some good fortune in earlier outings. Fantasy managers should monitor his next few starts closely for signs of any emerging patterns or adjustments.

Jake Fraley went 3-for-4 with a stolen base in the Reds' 5-1 loss to the Giants.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the team's struggles, Fraley's performance was a bright spot, showcasing his ability to make contact and utilize his speed on the bases. His season batting average now sits at a solid .304, and with six stolen bases, he continues to provide value in categories beyond just hitting. While his power numbers are limited, his high BABIP and wOBA suggest he's making the most of his opportunities at the plate. Fantasy managers should value his multi-hit potential and speed, especially in deeper leagues or as a streaming option against favorable matchups.

Elly De La Cruz went 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI in the Reds' 5-1 loss to the Giants.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the team's struggles, De La Cruz's solo shot was a highlight, adding to his impressive season totals. With a batting average of .272 and a robust .388 wOBA, De La Cruz continues to be a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, particularly given his blend of power and speed, evidenced by his nine homers and 25 stolen bases. His high strikeout rate of 0.310 remains a concern, but his overall production and potential for multi-category contributions should keep him rostered in all formats.

Alexis Diaz delivered a solid performance, allowing no hits and striking out two in a scoreless inning to notch a save as the Reds edged out the Giants 4-2.

Fantasy Impact: Despite his high ERA of 6.08 this season, this outing could be a sign of stabilization for Diaz, who has been struggling with consistency. His ability to secure saves, now totaling seven, keeps him relevant in fantasy leagues that value closers. However, his high WHIP of 1.50 and the ongoing issues with walks suggest a cautious approach. Fantasy managers should monitor his performance closely, as his high strikeout rate (10.8 K/9) remains an enticing factor, but the risk of damage to ERA and WHIP is significant.

Andrew Abbott delivered a solid outing in the Reds' 4-2 victory over the Giants on Friday.

Fantasy Impact: He pitched five innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. This performance slightly improves his season ERA to 3.35 and WHIP to 1.19, maintaining his status as a reliable, if not spectacular, fantasy option. Abbott's modest strikeout rate of 7.7 K/9 continues to cap his upside, but his ability to manage games and secure wins, as evidenced by today's performance, keeps him relevant in deeper fantasy leagues. His FIP of 4.86 suggests some potential regression, so fantasy managers should keep expectations in check and use him strategically based on matchups.

Stuart Fairchild went 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI in the Reds' 4-2 victory over the Giants.

Fantasy Impact: Delivering a solo shot, Fairchild's performance was a bright spot in what has been a challenging season for him, characterized by a modest .197 batting average and limited power production. This game's home run, only his second of the season, offers a glimmer of hope for fantasy managers looking for signs of improvement. However, given his overall performance this season, including a low BABIP and wOBA, it's wise to remain cautious. Fairchild's fantasy relevance remains limited to deeper leagues where occasional power surges can be tolerated amidst overall inconsistency.

Spencer Steer went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI in the Reds' 4-2 win against the Giants.

Fantasy Impact: His performance included a crucial double and a walk, contributing significantly to the team's victory. Steer's season has been a mix of modest power and decent on-base skills, as evidenced by his .342 wOBA and .279 BABIP over 38 games. His ability to drive in runs, now totaling 27 RBI, along with his 10 stolen bases, makes him a versatile asset in fantasy lineups. While his .246 batting average might not turn heads, his consistent RBI production and stolen base potential are valuable in deeper fantasy leagues.

Jeimer Candelario went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and an RBI in the Reds' narrow defeat to the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: His performance included a crucial home run and he crossed the plate twice, contributing significantly to the Reds' offensive efforts. Despite the loss, Candelario's outing was a bright spot in what has been a challenging season for him, marked by a modest .216 batting average and a high strikeout rate. This game could be a sign of turning things around, but fantasy managers should remain cautious given his overall performance this season. His power potential is evident, however, consistent production is needed before he can be considered a reliable fantasy option.

Hunter Greene struggled with control, allowing three earned runs on four hits and five walks while striking out six over five innings in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: This performance slightly tarnishes his otherwise solid season stats, nudging his ERA up to 3.38 and his WHIP to 1.24. The high walk rate in this outing is particularly concerning, given his decent 2.52 strikeout-to-walk ratio prior to the game. Fantasy managers should be wary of Greene's inconsistency with command, as it could lead to more shaky outings, despite his strong strikeout capabilities. His ability to maintain a high K/9 is a saving grace, but the walks are a red flag that could undermine his overall effectiveness and fantasy value.

Santiago Espinal is out of the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Espinal scored one run on Wednesday against Arizona. Jeimer Candelario is back at third base on Thursday.

Will Benson is back in the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Benson is back in left field and hitting No. 8 in the lineup. He has hit four home runs and stolen seven bases so far this season.

Mike Ford is in the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Ford recently re-signed with the Reds shortly after he was released. He is serving as the designated hitter and hitting No. 6 in the lineup.

Tyler Stephenson is out of the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Stephenson gets the day off on Thursday. He collected two hits and scored a run on Wednesday. Luke Maile is starting behind the plate for the Reds.

Graham Ashcraft took the loss Wednesday, yielding three earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out only two over five innings against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: This outing nudged his ERA up slightly to 3.86 and his WHIP to 1.34 for the season, reflecting a performance that might worry fantasy managers relying on him for better strikeout numbers and deeper outings. His K/9 rate of 7.3 this season continues to be less than stellar, and his FIP of 4.27 suggests some underlying issues that could lead to more rough starts. Fantasy managers should monitor Ashcraft's next few outings closely, as his ability to control games and limit damage will be critical in determining his viability as a consistent fantasy starter.

The Reds transferred Brandon Williamson to the 60-day injured list. (Source: Gordon Wittenmyer on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The move was made to make room on the 40-man roster. He suffered a shoulder injury during spring training.

The Reds placed Christian Encarnacion-Strand on the injured list. (Source: Gordon Wittenmyer on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Encarnacion-Strand fractured his wrist after getting hit by a pitch. The Reds describe CES injury as "right ulnar styloid fracture." He will miss some time as a result.

Luke Maile is in the Reds lineup on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Maile is serving as the Reds designated hitter and hitting No. 9 in the lineup. He is hitting .146 with one home run so far this season.

Frankie Montas delivered a solid performance, allowing just one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out seven over six innings in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: This was certainly a strong return from the IL for Montas. His season-long stats now reflect a mixed bag with a 3.55 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP through six starts. His 7.5 K/9 and 4.44 FIP suggest some volatility, but his performance against Arizona demonstrates his potential to dominate on the mound at times.

The Reds have optioned Bubba Thompson to Double-A Chattanooga. (Source: Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The 25-year-old struggled at the plate this season, hitting just .111 in 17 games. He will look to refine his swing in the minor leagues.