Pirates Manager and Pitcher Suspended After Incident Involving Reds Rookie The Pittsburgh Pirates will open Tuesday’s series against the Arizona Diamondbacks without their manager, Don Kelly, who was suspended by Major League Baseball (MLB) for one game following an altercation during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The suspension was linked to an incident involving Pirates pitcher Chris Devenski, who was also penalized for throwing at Reds rookie Sal Stewart. Devenski’s suspension was initially set at three games but was reduced to two games after he agreed to a settlement. Both suspensions will take effect starting Tuesday. The incident occurred during the seventh inning of the Pirates’ 17-7 victory over the Reds on Saturday. With the Pirates leading 15-6, Devenski delivered a fastball inside to Stewart, nearly striking the rookie. Stewart appeared upset by the pitch, prompting the umpires to intervene. The crew chief, Alan Porter, cited the timing of Stewart’s movement as a key factor in the decision to eject Devenski. Porter explained that Stewart had stepped out of the batter’s box before the pitch, which led to the umpires concluding that Devenski intentionally targeted him. Devenski denied intentionally throwing at Stewart, stating he was attempting to pitch inside and that Stewart “took it the wrong way.” The Reds’ rookie, who has been performing well this season, went 0-for-13 against the Pirates during the series. The incident highlights the tensions that can arise in high-stakes baseball matchups, particularly when players from rival teams clash. The Pirates and Reds, who are in the same division, are scheduled to play again on June 26, providing an opportunity for the teams to face off again.#major_league_baseball #pittsburgh_pirates #sal_stewart #don_kelly #chris_devenski
The Cincinnati Reds are finally hitting the ball hard The 2025 Cincinnati Reds endured a season defined by resilience, managing to stay just above .500 and securing a Wild Card berth in the National League before being swiftly eliminated by a future World Series contender. While their pitching staff, particularly the starting rotation, was a standout element of their success, their offense remained a glaring weakness. Despite a player who managed to lead the team in home runs despite playing on a bum thigh, the Reds struggled to generate power. Statcast data from that season revealed their average exit velocity (EV) was a dismal 88.6 mph, placing them second to last in the league, with only Cleveland and Houston hitting the ball softer. Their EV50, which measures the speed at which 50% of batted balls travel, was also among the worst in the game, and their number of balls hit over 95 mph ranked third worst. The 2026 season marked a hopeful turning point for the Reds, who aimed to transform their offense into a more formidable force. Key additions like Eugenio Suarez were expected to bring much-needed power, while players such as Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and Matt McLain were anticipated to return from injury-related struggles. Sal Stewart, a known power hitter, was also expected to contribute immediately. These changes were seen as critical to addressing the team’s long-standing offensive shortcomings. Early in the 2026 season, the Reds began to show signs of progress. In their first 10 games, they ranked fourth in average exit velocity at 90.7 mph, a significant improvement from the 88.6 mph recorded in 2025. Their EV50 of 100.2 mph placed them fifth in the league, signaling a marked shift in their approach.#cincinnati_reds #eugenio_suarez #elly_de_la_cruz #sal_stewart #tyler_stephenson
Cincinnati Reds at Miami Marlins Odds, Picks and Predictions The Cincinnati Reds (8-4) and the Miami Marlins (7-5) are set to face off Thursday at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, with the first pitch scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET. The matchup, which has drawn significant attention from sports betting enthusiasts, is part of a four-game series that has seen the Reds lead the overall season series 2-1. The Marlins secured a 7-4 victory Wednesday as moderate favorites (-130), with the Over (7.5) cashing in for the second consecutive night. This win marked Miami’s first victory in three attempts in the series, as they built a 6-2 lead after three innings. Miami’s offensive surge was highlighted by 1B Connor Norby’s first home run of the season, a solo shot, and LF Griffin Conine’s second home run of 2025. Cincinnati’s 1B Sal Stewart contributed with a double and a home run, driving in two runs and tallying two RBIs despite the loss. The Reds’ 5-game win streak was snapped by this defeat, while the Marlins have struggled in their past six games, posting a 2-4 record. Notably, the Over has cashed in eight of Miami’s past nine games, indicating a trend toward higher-scoring contests. The starting pitching matchup features RHP Rhett Lowder for the Reds and RHP Max Meyer for the Marlins. Lowder, who has made two starts in 2026, is off to a strong start with a 1.64 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9, and 7.4 K/9 in 11 innings. His most recent outing was a 2-0 victory over the Texas Rangers, where he pitched 6 innings, allowed zero earned runs, and struck out four batters. Lowder has never faced the Marlins, which could play a role in his performance. Meyer, on the other hand, has a 4.66 ERA in 2026 and a 1.34 WHIP, with 4.7 BB/9 and 10.2 K/9 in 9 2/3 innings.#loandepot_park #miami_marlins #cincinnati_reds #sal_stewart #griffin_conine
Reds’ Sal Stewart continues strong start in return to Miami Sal Stewart’s return to Miami was more than just a baseball game—it was a homecoming for the Cincinnati Reds first baseman, a former standout at Miami Westminster Christian. On Monday night, the 22-year-old prospect, ranked No. 19 in MLB Pipeline’s rankings, stepped onto loanDepot park for his first at-bat as a big-leaguer, greeted by a crowd of around 150 to 170 fans in Section 8 behind the Reds’ dugout. The group, many of whom had followed Stewart’s journey from high school to the majors, made their presence known during his first inning plate appearance and again in the fourth inning when he launched a middle-middle fastball past a diving Leo Jimenez for an RBI single, opening the Reds’ 2-0 victory over the Miami Marlins. Stewart’s performance was part of a broader trend for the Reds, who began a four-game series with a strong showing. The game was defined by dominant starting pitching, with the Marlins’ Janson Junk tossing a career-high 7 1/3 innings and Cincinnati’s Brandon Williamson holding Miami to three hits and one walk over 6 2/3 shutout frames. Stewart’s fourth-inning single up the middle, which drove in Elly De La Cruz from second base, gave the Reds a 1-0 lead. Tyler Stephenson later doubled the advantage with a solo home run in the eighth, capping a day where Stewart hit .353 with a 1.094 OPS through the first 10 games of the 2026 season. For Stewart, the game carried personal significance. Growing up in Miami, he had often visited loanDepot park, where he marveled at the home-run sculpture in left-center field that activated every time a Marlins player hit a homer. As a teenager, he told his father he couldn’t wait for the sculpture to ring out when he hit a home run at the stadium.#miami #loandepot_park #miami_marlins #cincinnati_reds #sal_stewart
Reds Notebook: Sal Stewart’s Homecoming, Nick Lodolo Finding New Ideas MIAMI — Sal Stewart, a 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, is set to make his first appearance in his hometown of Miami as the Reds face the Miami Marlins this week. Stewart, who grew up in the city, described Miami as a place that has shaped his identity and instilled in him a sense of confidence and resilience. “It’s in my blood,” Stewart said. “You’ve got to have tough skin to be in Miami. You have to have confidence in yourself. Miami is ingrained in you. It’s who I am and how I was raised.” Stewart, who attended high school just 30 minutes away from loanDepot Park, has long been a fan of the Marlins’ home stadium. This week marks his debut as a professional player in his hometown, a moment he is eager to share with family and friends. While he estimates that between 150 and 170 people he knows will attend the game, Stewart acknowledges that the event will be a personal milestone rather than a high-profile spectacle. “Cincinnati is my family, but this is where I grew up,” he said. “Everyone knows how much Miami means to me.” The Reds’ game in Miami is expected to draw a modest crowd, especially during a weekday in April. Stewart noted that while the atmosphere may not be electric, the presence of loved ones will make the experience meaningful. “I’m just excited to be here and to share this moment with the people who supported me growing up,” he added. Meanwhile, Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo is focusing on addressing a recurring issue with blisters on his fingers. The 28-year-old right-hander, who has been working to refine his mechanics, has been experimenting with a new approach to manage the problem.#loandepot_park #miami_marlins #cincinnati_reds #sal_stewart #nick_lodolo
Sal Stewart, alliteration — and a Cincinnati Reds perfect fit Sal Stewart’s name seems tailor-made for baseball, a sport where alliteration often feels like a lucky charm. The Cincinnati Reds’ new corner infielder, known for his power-hitting potential, has already made an impression with his five home runs in a limited sample during his MLB debut last season. While his performance on the field is impressive, it’s his name that has sparked conversations about how perfectly it fits the game. The Reds, who made a strong push to secure a playoff spot last season, have been actively seeking power hitters to bolster their lineup. Despite acquiring Kyle Schwarber in a free-agent move, the team’s power output remained a concern. Eugenio Suarez’s signing in free agency added depth to their slugging capabilities, but Stewart’s arrival through the organization’s system has introduced a new dynamic. Stewart’s journey to the majors has been marked by high expectations. As a prospect, he was heralded for his potential as a home run hitter, and his arrival in Cincinnati has only reinforced that narrative. His name, with its alliterative flair, has become a talking point among fans and analysts alike. In a sport where names often carry weight, Stewart’s moniker feels like a fitting tribute to his role as a power threat. While the Reds’ decision to sign Stewart isn’t solely based on his name, it’s hard to ignore the symbolism. The team’s pursuit of players with both talent and a strong connection to the game’s culture has paid off, and Stewart’s presence adds a layer of intrigue. His name, after all, is almost a guarantee of a memorable career in baseball. As the Reds look to build on their recent success, Stewart’s potential to deliver on the field will be the true test.#mlb #cincinnati_reds #eugenio_suarez #kyle_schwarber #sal_stewart
Sal Stewart, the Cincinnati Reds' young first baseman, is emerging as a top fantasy baseball prospect despite his current average draft position (ADP) of 196th, which many experts believe undervalues his potential. FantasyPros analysts argue Stewart should be selected in the top 150 picks, citing his advanced hitting skills and the Reds' plans to feature him in key lineup spots. Stewart's recent performance in Spring Training has positioned him as a potential cleanup hitter for the Reds, a role that could maximize his power-hitting abilities. Reds manager Terry Francona has consistently praised Stewart's development, calling him one of the most advanced young hitters he has encountered. Francona's confidence was reinforced during the 2025 season when Stewart was called up in September, hitting five home runs in a short span and earning a spot on the postseason roster. Local Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith highlighted Stewart's progress on social media, noting his seamless transition to first base and his ability to hit for power while showcasing strong base-running skills. "He's using the entire field and has had some ticker tape homers," Goldsmith wrote, emphasizing Stewart's consistency and adaptability. While Stewart's multi-position eligibility (first base/second base) adds flexibility for fantasy managers, his primary value lies in his power potential. With Francona's support and a strong spring training showing, Stewart is positioned to exceed expectations in 2026. Fantasy players who draft him late in the draft may find themselves with a high-impact asset capable of contributing significantly in power categories. The Reds' decision to prioritize Stewart in their lineup underscores his importance to the team's future.#2025_season #cincinnati_reds #terry_francona #sal_stewart #charlie_goldsmith
Reds Broadcaster Has Strong Reaction to What Sal Stewart Is Doing at the Plate Jeff Brantley, the Reds' announcer known as The Cowboy, praised Sal Stewart's performance on the Power Stacks Podcast, highlighting the rookie's impact on the team. Brantley expressed admiration for Stewart's approach at the plate, emphasizing the intensity and determination he brings to each at-bat. "He would really piss me off if I was a pitcher," Brantley said. "I'll be honest with you. He would. He would really make me mad. And that is the best compliment that I could give that kid because he fights for it, he wants it, his energy is so high." Brantley further noted Stewart's ability to adapt his hitting approach in different game situations. "The thing that I love about that kid that nobody notices yet, but they will, the pitchers will, he hits different with runners in scoring position, he hits different late in the ballgame with nobody on and you need a home run, and he hits different when he has a runner at third and he hits different when he has a runner at third and two outs when he's got to get a hit. And when you can change your swing like that and still be really good, that would piss me off." Stewart's spring training performance showcased his potential, as he slashed .326/.456/.609 with seven extra-base hits in 19 games. He also stole four bases, demonstrating his all-around value to the team. Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona has also expressed confidence in Stewart's abilities, considering his potential role in the lineup. Earlier this week, Francona discussed the possibility of batting Stewart fourth in the lineup, behind Elly De La Cruz, with Eugenio Suarez batting fifth.#cincinnati_reds #terry_francona #jeff_brantley #sal_stewart #goodyear_ballpark
