Veteran Slugger Headed to Injured List in Tough Loss for Reds Offense

Terry Francona announced that Eugenio Suarez, who was scratched from the Cincinnati Reds' lineup before the game, has been placed on the injured list due to a low-grade oblique strain. Suarez felt pain during batting practice and was examined by doctors, who confirmed the injury. The Reds signed Suarez to a one-year deal offseason, but he has started slowly, batting .231/.300/.363 in 25 games with six extra-base hits. JJ Bleday, a Reds outfielder, was pulled from Friday night’s Triple-A Louisville game in the sixth inning. Though not an outfielder, Bleday was likely called up due to Suarez’s injury. Bleday had a strong spring but was not selected for the final roster spots. Since being sent down, he has played well, slashing .345/.461/.667 in 23 games with Louisville, hitting 14 extra-base hits. Bleday mentioned adjusting his swing in 2025, which did not work, but returning to his 2024 approach has yielded better results, with improved power and fluidity. With Suarez out, Nathaniel Lowe is expected to gain more playing time. Lowe has been improving and hit a two-run walk-off home run against the Tigers on Friday night. The Reds’ offense will face a challenge without Suarez’s slugging power.