Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — September 2, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the San Diego Padres 7-3 on Wednesday, with Brandon Williamson earning the win in his first appearance since April after recovering from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for most of the season. Juan Brito hit his first career home run in the second inning as Cincinnati scored four runs, and JJ Bleday added a two-run shot in the seventh. The victory gave the Reds consecutive series wins over playoff contenders.

Williamson's return represents a critical audition for the Reds' rotation down the stretch and into 2027. The right-hander missed all of 2025 following Tommy John surgery and appeared in only three games during 2024, making his availability a key factor in the team's pitching plans. Multiple outlets noted that his September performance will be essential to determining whether he can contribute to the rotation's future.

The Reds also addressed infield depth by signing veteran Orlando Arcia to a minor league deal and assigning him to Triple-A Louisville. The move came as Elly De La Cruz deals with a left quad strain suffered against the Cubs, though De La Cruz has returned to the lineup as the designated hitter. Arcia, 32, spent time with the Minnesota Twins earlier this season and brings over 1,000 games of major league experience to provide coverage at middle infield positions.

Looking ahead, the Reds face a critical offseason priority in signing rookie slugger Sal Stewart to a contract extension before he becomes prohibitively expensive. Stewart has emerged as a bright spot in 2026, earning an All-Star selection and appearing headed for National League Rookie of the Year honors with 105 RBIs and 30 home runs. The Reds learned an expensive lesson with De La Cruz, whom they failed to extend early and watched become a star, pushing his eventual free agency price beyond their comfort level.