RADIO
JJ Bleday Remains a Strong Waiver-Wire Add in Deeper Formats
Cincinnati Reds 28-year-old outfielder JJ Bleday has cooled off a bit at the plate of late, as he's only hitting .163 with a .628 OPS in June. However, he's still hitting .241 with a .859 OPS on the season with 13 home runs, three stolen bases, 29 runs scored, and 37 RBI. In May, Bleday was unstoppable at the plate, hitting .301 with a 1.018 OPS, but inevitably cooled off. Through 232 plate appearances, Bleday's batted ball metrics and underlying data remain rock-solid, with a .371 xwOBA (88th percentile), .264 xBA (72nd percentile), 10 percent barrel rate (51st percentile), and 45 percent hard-hit rate (71st percentile). He's accomplished all of this even while keeping his plate discipline in check, with a 23.2 percent chase rate, 25.2 percent whiff rate, and 19.3 percent strikeout rate while walking at a 13.8 percent clip. All this to say, nothing under the hood suggests that continued regression is on the horizon for Bleday. Fantasy managers who have seen Bleday dropped in their leagues after a slow June should consider adding him to their roster, especially in five-outfielder formats.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Noelvi Marte a High-Upside Stash Off the Waiver Wire in Deeper Formats
Cincinnati Reds 24-year-old outfielder Noelvi Marte has had a tough season thus far in 2026, slashing only .191/.258/.371 with four home runs, four stolen bases, 12 runs scored, and six RBI. On June 26, he delivered a pinch-hit, two-run go-ahead home run to help seal the win for the Reds against the Pirates, but outside of that, to this point, Marte has been fairly useless from a fantasy standpoint. It's important to note that in 2025, he hit .263 with a .748 OPS, 14 home runs, 10 stolen bases, and 51 RBI. He has the talent and upside to be a five-category contributor; he's just not playing well right now. At this time, Marte is more of a speculative add in deeper, five-outfield leagues than more of a must-add player off the waiver wire. Fantasy managers can queue him up on their waiver wire and see how he does over the next week or two, because when he gets hot, it can happen quickly and with a lot of upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elly De La Cruz Sprains Ankle on Sunday, Set for Re-Evaluation on Monday
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (ankle) suffered a sprained ankle after taking an awkward fall during his team's loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, per Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. De La Cruz was able to stay in the game and may be able to avoid missed time, but Reds manager Terry Francona said that De La Cruz will be reevaluated on Monday. Even if De La Cruz avoids a stint on the injured list, fantasy managers should be aware that the speedster may now be playing through an ankle injury, fresh off his return from the injured list due to a hamstring strain. Across 280 plate appearances in 2026, De La Cruz is hitting .268/.339/.480 with 12 home runs, 38 RBI, 42 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. He's struggled since returning from the hamstring strain that caused him to miss the first three-plus weeks of June, recording just two hits in his first 23 plate appearances off the IL. De La Cruz is an elite fantasy shortstop who produces across all five categories when healthy, but he may not be operating at full strength as the Reds head into a four-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Eugenio Suarez Exits Early on Sunday After Being Hit By Pitch, X-Rays Inconclusive
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez (hand/wrist) exited early from his team's loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday after being hit by a pitch in the hand/wrist area. X-rays for Suarez were inconclusive, and the team will send him for a scan on Monday, per Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. It's been a rough season so far for Suarez, who is hitting .208/.276/.376 with eight home runs, 29 RBI, and 18 runs scored across 217 plate appearances. The 34-year-old's strikeout rate currently sits at a career-worst 33.2%, and his 7.2% barrel rate is his lowest since 2017. While the exact nature of Saurez's injury remains unclear, he could be headed for a trip to the injured list if further testing on his hand/wrist shows structural damage. If Suarez misses time, Reds first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and outfielder/third baseman Noelvi Marte would likely see the largest increases in playing time.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Chase Burns Continues to Generate Whiffs, Fans 10 in No-Decision
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns wasn't at his best in Saturday's 9-7 win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday at PNC Park, but he still racked up the strikeouts for his fantasy managers. Burns allowed a season-high five earned runs on a season-high nine hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out a season-high 10 batters in six innings of work for a no-decision. The hard-throwing 23-year-old was hit around a bit by the Bucs, but he still managed to generate 17 swings and misses on 93 pitches thrown, and he has gone at least five innings in all 16 of his starts in 2026 in just his second year in the majors. The former second overall pick in 2024 out of Wake Forest University has been one of the best young breakout arms so far in the first half of the year, and he's been a must-start in all fantasy leagues. Burns now owns a 2.36 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 112 strikeouts and 29 walks in 91 2/3 innings pitched. He'll have a challenging matchup on tap next against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nick Lodolo to Make his Next Start on Monday in Milwaukee
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (wrist) is scheduled to make his next start on Monday in Milwaukee against the division-rival Brewers, according to MLB.com. Lodolo was pulled from his last start early on Tuesday against the Brewers after he took a line drive off his left wrist. The 28-year-old southpaw avoided a serious injury, though, and is set for a rematch against the Brew Crew after tossing four scoreless innings with six strikeouts against them on Tuesday before leaving early. The former seventh overall pick out of Texas Christian University in 2019 has teased plenty of strikeout upside in the past, but injuries have gotten in the way. Lodolo has been pretty inconsistent so far in 2026, and his strikeout rate sits at a career-low 18% through his first nine starts (46 2/3 frames). He'll take a bloated 5.59 ERA (5.37 FIP) and 1.52 WHIP into his 10th start of the year in Milwaukee to begin next week, and fantasy managers will probably want to avoid him in that spot. Before his injury-shortened start earlier this week, Lodolo allowed a season-high seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings to the last-place New York Mets on June 17.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Caleb Ferguson Earns Save, Worth a Look as Potential Part-Time Saves Source?
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Caleb Ferguson picked up his first save of the season on Friday, allowing a hit and recording a strikeout while pitching a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ferguson did not make his season debut until late May due to an oblique issue. He's pitched well since returning, recording a 1.32 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts across 13 2/3 innings (13 games). The 32-year-old has notched seven career saves across eight seasons in the big leagues and profiles more as a lefty specialist than a closer. However, the Reds are scrambling to fill their ninth-inning role with Emilio Pagan (hamstring), Graham Ashcraft (elbow), and Tony Santillan (oblique) all currently on the injured list. Pagan is nearing a rehab assignment and could return to the Reds around the All-Star break. Still, until then, Ferguson could be worth adding in deeper leagues as a potential source of saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nick Lodolo Still Worth Rostering After Recent Injury Scare?
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (wrist) was pulled from his last start early on Tuesday against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers after he was hit by a comebacker on the left wrist. However, X-rays came back negative, and all signs point to the 28-year-old southpaw making his next outing on Monday against the Brewers again. Before leaving his start on Tuesday, Lodolo threw four shutout innings with just one walk and six strikeouts against the first-place Brewers. Even though he left early, it was a nice bounce-back appearance after he surrendered a season-high seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings in a loss to the New York Mets on June 17. The former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of Texas Christian University is no stranger to injuries, but he's also still very intriguing in fantasy for his strikeout upside despite his current 5.59 ERA through his first nine starts in 2026. Lodolo's rematch against the Brew Crew isn't all that enticing, though, and his 5.38 FIP, 1.52 WHIP, and career-low 18% strikeout rate are all concerns. Lodolo is currently rostered in 66% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Reds Place Tony Santillan on Injured List With Oblique Strain
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Friday that they placed right-handed reliever Tony Santillan (oblique) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 23) with a strained left oblique and recalled right-hander Zach McCambley from Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. Although Santillan has an ERA over 5.00 with a 1.39 WHIP in 31 innings in 2026 in his sixth year in the league, he has been pitching much better of late and has been manager Terry Francona's go-to guy in the ninth inning with the game on the line, with right-hander Emilio Pagan (hamstring) still on the IL. Santillan took the loss in his inning of work on Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers in his last outing, but before that, he had a stretch of seven straight scoreless appearances in which he walked none, struck out six, and picked up three saves. When Santillan returns from his oblique strain (likely after the All-Star break next month), Pagan should be back, which means he probably won't be a candidate for save opportunities. Until Pagan returns, Francona could turn to either Tejay Antone or Brock Burke for saves. UPDATE: Francona said that an MRI exam showed that Santillan is dealing with a significant strain in his left oblique, per FOX 19's Charlie Goldsmith.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Hunter Greene the Top Pitcher to Stash With Debut Nearing
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) remains on the 60-day injured list and has not pitched at all for the Reds in 2026 after having surgery back in March to remove bone chips from his right elbow, but he will make one final minor-league rehab start on Sunday with Triple-A Louisville before making his 2026 big-league debut next weekend. This is your cue to run to the waiver wire and add the hard-throwing 26-year-old immediately. Greene is currently rostered in 70% of Yahoo leagues. The former second overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft is no stranger to injuries -- he has never reached 30 starts in any of his four MLB seasons -- but when healthy, he can be a fantasy ace. Greene has a 3.65 ERA (3.83 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with a 30% strikeout rate in his four major-league seasons, and he recorded ERAs under 3.00 in each of his last two seasons in Cincy. In his two rehab starts, he hasn't allowed a run in eight innings while walking two and striking out nine.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Hector Rodriguez Stays Hot, a Must-Stash for Power?
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez continued to show off the power at Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday, smacking his eighth home run in his last 15 games for the Bats. In those 15 games, the left-handed slugger is hitting .351 (20-for-57), and for the season, he owns a .289/.366/.540 slash line with 18 home runs and six steals. The surge has likely put the Dominican on the verge of making his major league debut, though there is no clear path to playing time at the moment. There is some chase in his profile, ranking in the 14th percentile at 35.8 percent, which could be exploited at the major league level, but a 113 mph max exit velocity in 2026 shows the kind of power in his bat. Already being on the 40-man roster will make it easier for the team to bring the 22-year-old up when they're ready, but that may not be until after the All-Star break. Nevertheless, fantasy managers in deep 12+ team leagues scouring the wire for home runs and RBI may want to consider stashing him away in an NA spot until then.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Nick Lodolo "Showed Up Pretty Good" on Wednesday
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (wrist) "showed up pretty good" on Wednesday morning after being pulled from his start on Tuesday against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers early after he was hit on the left wrist by a 107 mph comebacker, according to NBC 5 Cincinnati's Charlie Clifford. X-rays came back negative on Lodolo's wrist, and manager Terry Francona said the southpaw had minimal swelling, making it seem likely that he'll be ready to take his next turn in the Reds' starting rotation, which is lined up for a rematch against the first-place Brewers on Monday on the road. The former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of Texas Christian University tossed four shutout innings on Tuesday before departing and walked one and fanned six for a no-decision. He has been highly inconsistent in his first nine starts in 2026 in his fifth year in the big leagues, going 2-2 with a 5.59 ERA (5.38 FIP) and 1.52 WHIP with only 38 strikeouts and 18 walks in 46 2/3 innings pitched. Lodolo won't be a recommended fantasy streamer if he takes his next scheduled turn on the hill in Milwaukee.
Source: NBC 5 Cincinnati - Charlie Clifford
Source: NBC 5 Cincinnati - Charlie Clifford
Hunter Greene in Line to Make Season Debut Next Week
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) will make a third minor-league rehab start on Sunday at Triple-A Louisville, and if all goes well, then he will rejoin the Reds' starting rotation for his 2026 season debut, according to Charlie Clifford of NBC 5 Cincinnati. Greene is set to go around 80 to 85 pitches on Sunday, according to manager Terry Francona. Following surgery back in March to remove bone chips from his right elbow, the hard-throwing Greene is nearing his return to the big leagues, making him a priority waiver-wire target in any leagues where he's still available. He looked good in his first two rehab starts, reaching the upper-90s with his heater while throwing eight scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and two walks. The 26-year-old former second overall pick in 2017 has ace potential when healthy with a career 30% strikeout rate in 495 2/3 big-league innings. Greene has a 3.65 ERA (3.83 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP in his four years with the Reds, and he's posted an ERA under 3.00 in each of his last two seasons. He's currently rostered in 69% of Yahoo leagues. Pick him up now.
Source: NBC 5 Cincinnati - Charlie Clifford
Source: NBC 5 Cincinnati - Charlie Clifford
Hunter Greene Throws Four Shutout Innings in Rehab Start
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) had a strong minor-league rehab start on Tuesday for Triple-A Louisville, tossing four shutout innings with only two hits allowed, one walk, and three strikeouts against the Triple-A St. Paul Saints. Greene threw 64 pitches during the outing and topped out at 99.5 mph, another sign that he will rejoin the Reds' starting rotation for his 2026 season debut before the end of June. Manager Terry Francona said that the 26-year-old was scheduled to throw around 75 pitches on Tuesday, so he came a little short of that target after throwing 54 pitches in four scoreless innings in his first rehab start last week in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. Even with another rehab started expected for Greene, he could be back before the calendar flips to July, and he's an absolute must-stash in fantasy baseball leagues if he's available on the waiver wire. Greene is a hard-throwing former second overall pick in 2017 with ace upside when he's fully healthy, and somehow he's available in over 30% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Nick Lodolo Exits Early on Tuesday With Left-Wrist Contusion
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (wrist) exited early from his start against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday due to a left wrist contusion, per Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Lodolo struck out six across four scoreless innings before being removed from the game. The 28-year-old was struck on the wrist by a line drive off the bat of Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio. However, X-rays of the wrist were negative, so Lodolo may have avoided a serious injury. The left-hander's start to the 2026 season was delayed by a finger injury that sidelined him until early May. He's struggled since returning, recording a 2-2 record with a 5.59 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts across 46 2/3 innings (nine starts). Fantasy managers should check back for updates on Lodolo ahead of his next scheduled start against the Brewers next Monday.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
