Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — September 7, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in a weekend series, winning two of three games and demonstrating they can compete against top-tier opponents. The victory came behind strong performances from Elly De La Cruz and emerging rookies Hector Rodriguez and Juan Brito, whose recent contributions have transformed the team's offensive output since late August.

The Reds' lineup has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past two weeks. Rodriguez, who hit his first career home run on August 22, has slashed .333/.396/.688 since that date, displaying the quick swing and hand speed that manager Terry Francona praised. Sal Stewart has emerged as the clear favorite for National League Rookie of the Year after accumulating over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs, joining an elite group of rookies to reach those milestones. Eugenio Suarez, who remained with the team after failing to attract trade interest at the deadline, has posted a .889 OPS over his last 30 games with 7 home runs and 23 RBIs. These performances suggest the Reds may have found core offensive pieces for future contention, though the team's overall record remains five games below .500 since the August 3rd deadline.

De La Cruz is chasing Washington's CJ Abrams for the National League shortstop Silver Slugger Award. While Abrams currently leads in most offensive categories, De La Cruz ranks in the top three among qualified NL shortstops in homers, steals, OPS, and wRC+. A strong September finish could help close the gap, though injuries earlier in the season have made it difficult for him to catch up in counting stats.

The Reds activated third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes from the injured list and optioned Edwin Arroyo to Triple-A Louisville. Hayes returns after missing 11 days with a left groin strain and will bat ninth, while Arroyo struggled during his recent stint, going 1-for-17 in six games. Cincinnati begins a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night with Chase Burns starting on a pitch count, with Brandon Williamson available as a secondary starter.