Cincinnati Reds

Frankie Montas had a rough outing in Friday's 7-3 loss to the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: He allowed three earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out just one over five innings. This performance underscores a troubling trend for Montas, whose season ERA now sits at 4.37 with a WHIP of 1.37. His strikeout rate remains low at 6.4 K/9, and his FIP at 5.60 suggests that his struggles are not solely due to bad luck. Fantasy managers should be cautious, as his reduced strikeout ability and high FIP indicate potential ongoing issues that could hurt his value in all formats.

Stuart Fairchild went 1-for-2 with a home run and an RBI in the Reds' 7-3 loss to the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the team's defeat, Fairchild's solo shot was a highlight, contributing his third homer of the season. His overall performance this year has been less than stellar, with a batting average lingering around the Mendoza Line at .213 and modest power numbers. While the home run might excite some fantasy managers, his low batting average, combined with a high strikeout rate of 22.2%, suggests limited upside. Fantasy managers should view Fairchild as a depth option in deeper leagues, primarily useful for occasional power surges rather than consistent production.

Tyler Stephenson went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI in the Reds' 7-3 defeat to the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: His performance included a solo home run, contributing one of the few offensive highlights for Cincinnati in the game. Despite the Reds' struggles, Stephenson's home run, his fifth of the season, offers a glimmer of hope for fantasy managers. His season batting average now sits at .264, and while his power numbers are modest, his ability to contribute across multiple categories can't be ignored. Stephenson's consistency at the plate and potential for run production make him a viable option in deeper fantasy leagues, especially given the scarcity of productive catchers.

The Reds placed LHP Justin Wilson on the 15-day injured list. (Source: Cincinnati Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wilson is dealing with soreness in his left shoulder. He will miss at least the next couple of weeks.

The Reds recalled Carson Spiers from Triple-A Louisville. (Source: Cincinnati Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Spiers gets recalled with Justin Wilson placed on the injured list. He'll hold a role in the middle innings in the Reds bullpen.

Jonathan India (migraine) is back in the lineup for the Cincinnati Reds against the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday. (Source: Cincinnati Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: India returns after sitting out Thursday with the migraine, batting leadoff and starting at second base against the Dodgers for manager David Bell Friday.

Brent Suter allowed one walk as the opener as the Reds beat the Dodgers 7-2.

Fantasy Impact: Despite not allowing any hits or runs, Suter's performance was unremarkable with no strikeouts and a walk while recording two outs. This season, Suter's metrics like a 3.76 ERA and 1.22 WHIP suggest mediocrity, and his 7.9 K/9 rate isn't turning many heads in fantasy circles. His role appears limited to middle relief, and without contributing in categories like saves or holds consistently, his fantasy relevance remains minimal. Owners should view him as a situational pick rather than a staple in their lineups.

Will Benson went 1-for-4 in the Reds' 7-2 victory over the Dodgers, contributing with a home run, one run scored, and one RBI.

Fantasy Impact: Despite a challenging season with a batting average lingering around the Mendoza line, Benson's power display in this game offers a glimmer of hope for fantasy managers. His six home runs in 42 games underscore his potential for power, which could be a valuable asset in deeper leagues or formats that reward extra-base hits. However, his high strikeout rate and low batting average suggest a boom-or-bust type player, making him a risky play in standard formats. Fantasy managers should consider Benson's potential for occasional power surges but temper expectations given his overall performance this season.

Elly De La Cruz went 4-for-4 in the Reds' 7-2 victory over the Dodgers, delivering a double, driving in one run, scoring three times, and swiping four bases.

Fantasy Impact: This performance underscores De La Cruz's growing reputation as a dynamic fantasy asset, particularly in categories like stolen bases and runs scored. His ability to combine speed with a solid batting average (.277) and power (9 homers) makes him a valuable all-around contributor. While his high strikeout rate (0.306) remains a concern, his consistent ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities (0.384 wOBA) can offset those strikeouts in most fantasy formats. His multi-category contributions, especially in stolen bases (30 this season), should keep him high on fantasy radars.

Jacob Hurtubise is not in the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: Hurtubise is 0-for-4 with a walk since being recalled from Triple-A. Conner Capel is starting in left field for the Reds.

Luke Maile is not in the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: Maile went 0-for-1 with a walk before he was pinch-hit for on Wednesday. Tyler Stephenson is back behind the plate for the Reds.

Andrew Abbott delivered a solid outing, allowing just one earned run on four hits and two walks while striking out four over seven innings in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Despite his strong performance, Abbott's efforts weren't enough to secure a win for the Reds, reflecting the ongoing struggle to convert quality starts into victories. His season ERA now stands at an impressive 3.06, and his WHIP at 1.14, indicating consistent effectiveness. However, his lower strikeout rate (7.4 K/9) might concern fantasy managers looking for more punchouts. Abbott's ability to limit runs and maintain a decent strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.93) keeps him relevant in fantasy leagues, but his win potential appears capped by the Reds' limited run support.

Santiago Espinal went 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI in the Reds' 2-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the Reds' defeat, Espinal managed to contribute by sending one over the fence, marking his second homer of the season. His performance this season has been underwhelming with a batting average lingering around the Mendoza Line at .200 and a modest .237 wOBA. While the home run might excite some, his overall production suggests limited fantasy relevance. Owners should consider him a fringe option, primarily in deeper leagues or as a fill-in during a hot streak or favorable matchups.

Nick Lodolo was placed on the 15-day IL with a left groin strain. (Source: Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Lodolo made his last start on Saturday and there was no initial reports of an injury. Fantasy managers should expect Nick Martinez to likely fill in for Lodolo in the rotation until he returns.

The Reds have recalled Sam Moll from Triple-A Louisville. (Source: Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Moll has pitched well with the Reds this season, posting a 0.80 WHIP and a 0.00 ERA through five innings. He will provide depth in the Reds’ bullpen.

Hunter Greene delivered a strong performance in the Reds' 6-2 win over the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, allowing two earned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five across seven innings.

Fantasy Impact: This outing continues a solid season for Greene, who now boasts a 3.27 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP through 10 starts. His ability to maintain a high strikeout rate (10.0 K/9) while keeping his walks relatively low contributes significantly to his fantasy value. Given his consistent performance and a favorable 3.33 FIP, Greene remains a reliable option in fantasy rotations, particularly in leagues that value strikeouts and WHIP.

Mike Ford went 2-for-4 with two RBI in the Reds' 6-5 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Despite his efforts to drive in runs, Ford's season continues to be a mixed bag for fantasy managers. With a batting average hovering just above the Mendoza Line at .211 and minimal power numbers, his fantasy relevance remains limited to deeper leagues or as a streaming option against favorable matchups.

Spencer Steer went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI in the Reds' narrow 6-5 defeat to the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: He also managed to draw a walk and scored a run. Steer's performance this season has been fairly solid, maintaining a .248 batting average with a decent mix of power and speed, evidenced by his 10 doubles, four homers, and 11 stolen bases. His ability to contribute across multiple categories, coupled with a balanced approach at the plate makes him a valuable asset in fantasy lineups.

Graham Ashcraft struggled to find his rhythm in Monday's 6-5 loss to the Diamondbacks, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out three over four innings.

Fantasy Impact: This outing nudged his ERA up to 4.12 and WHIP to 1.44 for the season, reflecting a continued challenge in maintaining control and limiting base runners. His performance today, characterized by a high pitch count and inability to go deep into the game, underscores potential volatility in his fantasy value. With a modest strikeout rate of 7.2 K/9 and a FIP that suggests some underlying issues, fantasy managers should be cautious. Ashcraft's inconsistency might make him a risky play, particularly in leagues that penalize heavily for walks and earned runs.

The Reds placed TJ Friedl on the 10-day IL with a fractured left thumb. (Source: Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Friedl exited Sunday’s game in the first inning after being hit by a pitch. After undergoing further testing, the outfielder will spend time on the injured list for the second time this season. Jake Fraley and Stuart Fairchild should see an uptick in playing time.