Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — September 15, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds' playoff hopes ended Monday night with a 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, eliminating them from contention with two weeks remaining in the season. Elly De La Cruz provided the team's only run with a 457-foot solo home run in the ninth inning, extending his on-base streak to 21 games, but the Reds' offense managed just four hits while the Dodgers capitalized on six walks to secure the series opener.

The loss underscores deeper roster construction problems that will define the offseason conversation. Nick Krall, the team's president of baseball operations, confirmed he will remain in his position and expects no significant front office or managerial changes, telling ownership the responsibility for improvement falls on him. However, multiple outlets have questioned whether the current approach is working, pointing to the team's 457-503 record under Krall and a pitching staff that has collapsed since August. The Reds plan to retool around a core including De La Cruz, Chase Burns, and Sal Stewart rather than pursue a full rebuild.

The pitching rotation presents immediate challenges heading into 2027. Hunter Greene is out for the entire season following Tommy John surgery, Brady Singer is likely departing in free agency, and Nick Lodolo has struggled since returning from injury with a 6.09 ERA and elevated walk rate over his last seven starts. Lodolo's return to form will be critical as the projected number-two starter behind Burns. The Reds also face outfield depth concerns, as Blake Dunn will undergo ulnar nerve transposition surgery tomorrow, his second elbow procedure in two months, while JJ Bleday's decline since the trade deadline has left questions about whether keeping him was the right decision.

Cincinnati sends eight prospects to the Arizona Fall League, with first baseman Carter Graham, infielder-outfielder Carlos Sanchez, and former first-round pick Jay Allen II all Rule 5 eligible and under evaluation for the 40-man roster. The Reds continue their series against Los Angeles on Tuesday at 6:40 p.m., with Rhett Lowder facing Yoshinobu Yamamoto.