Last night the Cincinnati Reds grabbed a victory in the first game at Target Field against the Minnesota Twins. This afternoon the two teams return to the field as they look to beat the sub-40° weather as well as their opponent. First pitch today is scheduled for 2:10pm ET.
Starting Lineups
Cincinnati Reds | Minnesota Twins |
| TJ Friedl – CF | Byron Buxton – DH |
| Will Benson – LF | Austin Martin – RF |
| Elly De La Cruz – SS | Josh Bell – 1B |
| Sal Stewart – 2B | Ryan Jeffers – C |
| Eugenio Suarez – DH | Luke Keaschall – 2B |
| Nathaniel Lowe – 1B | Trevor Larnach – LF |
| Tyler Stephenson – C | Brooks Lee – SS |
| Rece Hinds – RF | Ryan Kreidler – CF |
| Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B | Tristan Gray – 3B |
| Andrew Abbott – LHP | Taj Bradley – RHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Andrew Abbott | 20.0 | 5.85 | 1.70 | 8 | 12 |
| Taj Bradley | 21.2 | 1.25 | 1.25 | 8 | 29 |
| Links: Andrew Abbott’s Stats | Taj Bradley’s Stats | |||||
Andrew Abbott
It has been a tough start to the season for Abbott. After a strong start of six shutout innings on Opening Day he’s given up 13 earned runs in 14.0 innings across three starts since then, struggling to locate the ball at times and getting into trouble.
Teams have limited how many left-handed hitters face him, but the ones that do get to face him don’t find too much success as they rarely walk and when they do make contact they don’t do much with it. Last season righties did perform better than lefties but it was all in the fact that they hit for more power, though that amount of power was merely mediocre power overall.
2025 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 510 | 110 | 19 | 1 | 17 | 34 | 109 | .234 | .287 | .387 |
| LHH | 174 | 38 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 40 | .236 | .279 | .335 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 92.6 | 88.0 | 79.3 | 81.7 | 85.9 |
| Usage | 50% | 3% | 11% | 18% | 19% |
Taj Bradley
From the day he debuted in 2023 through the end of 2025, Taj Bradley’s MLB career was rather non-descript. He had thrown 385.1 innings with a 4.86 ERA. He had plenty of strikeouts, but gave up his share of home runs. Much of his 2025 campaign was spent with Tampa Bay before a trade at the deadline brought him to Minnesota. The start of 2026 has been quite different from the part for the now 25-year-old. He’s made four starts and has allowed three runs, no home runs, and has 29 strikeouts in 21.2 innings pitched.
His platoon splits aren’t too big when looking at last season. Left-handed hitters did find a little more success as they hit for more power against him. Righties had a slightly higher average but walked less often and hit for a lot less power.
2025 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 306 | 69 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 25 | 64 | .249 | .314 | .375 |
| LHH | 262 | 62 | 13 | 1 | 12 | 31 | 63 | .237 | .319 | .431 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | Cutter | Curve | Split | |
| Velo | 97.2 | 89.2 | 81.9 | 91.4 |
| Usage | 48% | 21% | 13% | 18% |
When and Where
- Game time: 2:10pm ET
- Where: Target Field
- Watch: Reds MLB Channel, Reds.tv (in-market), MLB.tv (out of market).
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 39°, partly cloudy, 0% chance of rain.
News and Notes
Sal Stewart on the Baseball Tonight podcast
Yesterday Reds rookie Sal Stewart was on the Baseball Tonight podcast. Buster Olney and Paul Hembekides begin discussing Stewart around the 14:20 mark and then Stewart joins the podcast a few minutes later and spent about 12 minutes talking with Olney. You can watch/listen on Youtube, or use your favorite podcast service to track it down.
Division Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Cincinnati | 12 | 8 | 0.0 | 21.2% |
| Pittsburgh | 12 | 8 | 0.0 | 62.0% |
| St. Louis | 11 | 8 | 0.5 | 11.9% |
| Milwaukee | 11 | 8 | 0.5 | 43.8% |
| Chicago | 10 | 9 | 1.5 | 52.5% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
Benson batting 2nd?
Sal PLAYING 2nd?
No Steer or McLain?
Interesting lineup.
Almost like a Sunday lineup a day early, eh. 🙂
More than interesting, it’s downright ugly.
Six players with under .200 BA and two of those under .100, and one at .000.
Of course Hinds is the smallest sample and hopefully he breaks the ice today.
Tough task today against Taj Bradley who has thus far been very, very good.
Time for 8-9 players to start helping turn this stagnant offense around! Our big 3, Stewart, Cruz, and Suarez cannot continue to be the only consistent producers if they have playoff hopes.
I’ll continue to trust that Francona knows what he’s doing. There’s almost always a rhyme and a reason and a purpose. You can bet your bottom dollar though, the RLN lynch mob is already stoking their torches and sharpening their pitchforks. Can’t wait to see some of the comments if something doesn’t go their way. Go, Reds!
“Lynch mob?” Hyperbole much?
Fans fan all different ways in my experience.
This Reds era under the castellini regime has naturally resulted in “battered fan syndrome.”
Some fans vent that frustration towards certain players; other fans vent apparently vent towards other fellow fans.
To each his or her own. Go Reds Go!
But, we get Hayes. It’s time to move on from Benson. I thought Bleday was a mediocre signing, but I’d be glad to see him instead of Benson. Benson, like Aquino and others, isn’t going to be an everyday, league average player.
Nice to see Hinds back in there hopefully he can get it going, but he’s not going to see much to hit with Hayes in front of him.
McLain has yet to hit his first homer this season after he was the leader in that category in the spring training. One more time it’s proven the spring performance doesn’t matter much when the regular season starts, however, Abbott struggled in the spring and is still struggling in the regular season…Hope Abbott is going to pitch well beginning today
In McLain’s case ST was meaningless. But unfortunately, Abbott still looks like he did in the spring – lousy
Game time temp hovering around 40 degrees with a fairly decent breeze blowing out to right center. It will be interesting to see the approach hitters’ take today.
It looks like Francona is going with more of a left-handed hitting platoon today.
Lowe at first base, Benson in left field.
No Steer, no McLain. Geno could play third, but then…who is the DH? So he keeps his best 3rd base defender in the lineup, even though he is not hitting. Ditto Hinds.
We had the best hopes for Hinds, but he is, once again, not hitting. Not a ton of AB’s yet, but just not hitting, or really even stinging the ball.
And if you look at the weekly stats, ie, “the last seven games”, Stewart is below .200 BA for the last 7 or so games. So his hitting is fading, at least for now.
Elly actually has been hitting pretty good…”for the last 7 games”.
I would predict a loss for the Reds today. Better opposing pitcher, and Andrew Abbott has not pitched consistently “good” for the season.
Final score, Minn 8, Cincy 1.
And Bradley struggled last year. Abbott is due for a good game and the pitcher we know. Bradley is due for a bad game.
I am gonna say Hinds breaks out as does Benson. Reds win 6-2
Benson made some solid contact in his first AB, at least.
Play the “over” then. 8, -110.
Reds gonna break through today!! I got a feeling
Feelings are risky, Kevin. You will, of course, be in the crosshairs–along with the current scapegoat–if they lose.
True, however if they do win and players do hit… well….. hahahaha
I understand the thinking of trying to jump on a first or second pitch, but it has not been working for our hitters. Nine pitches and quickly three outs.
Well I was wrong. LOL
I really wonder what’s wrong with Abbott this year. Is he tipping his pitches?
At this rate Abbott is #5 starter.
Well, that was messy.
But it could have been much worse.
Getting that called 3rd strike was pivotal.
Nice to see Sal’s patience at the plate!
I just don’t know if I’m gonna live long enough to see a Reds pitcher understand that WALKS are BAD! Walks extend the inning, and more often than not, the batter that walks ultimately scores or the walk leads to other runs scoring. And lastly, walks run up the pitcher’s pitch count. Drives me nuts!
Perhaps Lowe should play more.
Hey, the Reds got something cookin’ here.
Let’s see if they can capitalize.
Well… 1 run isn’t the best result.
But not bad, either.
Good time for Hinds first hit!
I know its the major’s and no one feels sorry for you. I am sure there are stats out there of other players.
It baffles me Hinds has tore up triple A pitching last season and this year although a small sample size. Yet can’t hit mlb pitching. Now 0-11
Can we bring his bat coaching from AAA?
All for that, something as to me dude has all the tools to be successful.
Yet….
You’d have to bring the AAA breaking pitches too.
Some players just can’t cope with the final step, either mentally or physically.
The difference between a AAA pitcher and a MLB pitcher is often pretty massive, even if we think it’s not.
Good Point
Everybody on the planet knows he can’t hit breaking pitches.
That’s Lowe right there. Got a fastball to drive and didnt miss it.
Ty, Lowe. Nice SF, Stephenson. That’s 1.
Thank you Buxton for jogging down the line.
I don’t think anyone can say that the Reds didn’t give Hinds a legit shot.
And I don’t think anyone can second guess the Reds’ decision to send him to Louisville after a monster Spring Training.
11 ABs is a legit shot? Mclain, Steer, Benson etc. have gotten years
I mean, sure, let him keep hitting. I don’t care. I hope it changes the outcome but it doesn’t appear it will.
His AB’s are not even competitive though.
Exactly, Benson has 10 times as many PAs as Hinds and has had one good year (and one good minor league year). There’s little reason to think he’s going to suddenly matter. Hinds may not either. But we don’t know that at this time. And I’d rather take my chances with Hinds 0-11 thus far than Hayes 3-47 coming into today’s game. He’s another unlikely to suddenly matter. I think a stint on the IL would help the team.
Tom, I can. Still minuscule sss. Especially compared to other prospects.
Wonder if they can come back
Maybe just let EDLC stay in bed for day games. His splits are drastic.
or not
Sometimes replay confuses me. LOL He was out at second as the tag stayed on him. No runs should of scored that half inning for twins
Worst replay decision I’ve seen in a while.
Obviously was out.
Cost them a run.
It was, now we need challenge for the challenges
This is a terrible umpiring day.
The last time Friedl had a hit was when The Beatles had a hit!
And it was a hard day’s night!
Well played 🙂
😀
He don’t care too… Much for money.
Money can’t buy him a hit.
LOL! 🙂
Nice heads-up hustle play by Geno!
And at the moment, Hinds sight is not 20/20!
It’s getting close to 0/20 Hinds Sight.
LOL! I see what you’re saying!
Okay Abbott your team is battling. Lets get a 1,2,3 inning!!!
At least , they keep the score by 1 run …it’s important to play good defense and Abbott to hold the Twins hitters
2 RBI for Stephenson. Maybe he’s coming around?
Just hoping AA can last thru 5 innings!
AA couldn’t do it! Just couldn’t do it! A 7-pitch walk followed by a single! Needs to buckle down and somehow get out of this inning unscathed!
I still hope Hinds gets another month so I don’t have to hear how he’s not being given a chance like everyone else.
We want him to succeed. I also want the Reds to win and at this point whoever they bring up to help them do it.
And as I’m using the Bible Method (seek and find the keys) to type my last rant, AA does just that! Good job young man!
Hinds is doing what he always does. Tears up MiLB pitching and then completely flounders in the show. Scouting report on him probably says “can only hit fastballs” and opposing staffs are following it to a tee by not throwing him hardly any.
Hayes and Friedl, Tito?
Right now, KBH couldn’t hit a car at a Demolition Derby if he was wearing a blindfold!
Actually, he’s hitting the ball pretty hard but at defenders instead of between or over them.
Benson gets a hot against something other than a fast ball. I guess anything can happen today.
Hit
Benson and Stephenson making a contribution today. That’s something.
That expected BA stuff is analytics for we need to make excuses for this historically horrific hitting.
Please proceed, governor.
Nice to get production from the 2-spot in our batting order. Not used to that. Benson with a walk, hit and stolen base. Nice job so far.
Maybe this should become a more permanent thing.
2nd time in 3 games games Hayes has pulled up on a ball near the dugout to let the catcher try to get it. 2nd time fail
cost them 2 runs….so far
Hayes?? That’s in Tyler all the way.
Can’t buy a hit and shies away from popups in foul territory! Why is KBH in the lineup?
Your daft. That was on the Catcher all the way. Hayes is terrible but that’s got nothing to do with that.
Well put.
In fairness to Hayes both times he was playing in ss hole. A long way for him ti run.. catcher both times could of caught it..
C definitely could have caught one or both.
That is true Kevin, but that doesn’t mean KBH should slow down 10 feet from the ball and defer to the catcher. Infielder should take charge.
Better angle.
Good Point VaRedsfan
Foul ball must be caught. Extends the inning.
Not sure why Moll was used to face two righties? Only guy left?
I predict a Suarez home run this inning.
Or 3k’s
Looking at the NL Central Division standings, EVERY team won yesterday! Gotta keep pace! Need a major comeback!
My calendar says April 18th (not September 18th).
Suarez must have been taking a nap in that AB. 3 fastballs over the plate and he didnt do anything.
this team can’t find the way to hit…
Yeah..hard to believe..with man on base, trailing by 2 runs and we had 3 hitters staring at fastball after fastball and didnt do anything
A number of those called strikes this inning looked out of the zone and get none of them were challenged?
Something is going on with that that we don’t know. The Reds are not challenging.
Good hit for Hinds!!
Here’s hoping that will settle him down and he won’t press anymore.
Agree
You mean “A” hit for Hinds! 🙂
Hit for Hinds !
It’s hard to have carry Hayes and Friedl right now… How Tito could figure it out?
Yep losing games at this rate just won’t work
How on earth can Hayes be allowed to bat and how on earth can Friedl take two strikes then strike out after ball 1.This is insane.Its the 7th inning and already down 2 runs.Good grief.
Elly up as the go ahead run. need some lighting here
That was the Hinds we saw at Louisville this year. He kept his head down, adjusted his swing, and took the ball to right with authority (93.6mph EV). Let’s hope he has broken through the funk.
Very happy for Hinds.
Elly with another right-handed hit, he’s been clutch.
… and that’s how close it is !
Can we knock off the Elly isnt clutch or good nonsense.
Once and for all?
It’s mainly the same 2 or 3 people.
Ignore them.
I am learning not to respond. Decided I want to enjoy the chat etc and yes ignore the noise
Another one that would have been out in our park.
Sal just missed.
Still, chipping away at that lead.
Sal gave it a ride. That’s for sure.
Every starter with a hit except the number nine and number one batters.
I like Tito batting Hayes and Friedl back to back. It lets everybody get that bathroom break without missing anything.
Now thats funny but at my age they have to see a few pitches.Can’t hurry like I used too.
I hear you ?
had to chuckle on that one
That’s funny.
The thing I love most about Sal is that he clearly has a game plan and is looking for something to execute each time he goes to the plate. I think a lot of guys go up there with the “see ball, hit ball approach” rather than I want an outside pitch to hit opposite field or I’m looking up or whatever. Sal has a game plan and most of the time he executes it. Tough break there as it was caught, but he hit his pitch and hit it hard. That’s all you can do.
Wow! what a play…game saver… Credit to Martin…there have been a little lack of luck for the Reds today….
Twins manager tossed.
Twins feed had the full audio…Expletives and all.
Hilarious!.
I’d pay for a broadcast that had uncensored on field audio.
Yep. Heard it, too. VPN.
OK, let’s take this one.
5 splitters in a row and Geno connects on the 6th for a base hit !
Back to back base hits, runners on 1st and 3rd, no outs !
Guess what he’s going to pitch !
Yeah, a splitter…
Nice back to back hitting from Suarez and Lowe!
Runners on the corners, no outs…
Reds HAVE to score here.
Stephenson you have to get the run in at minimum
I’m not so sure that the most optimal thing for the Reds right now would be for Sal to shift to 2B and Lowe play 1B.
Lowe with two hits.
Stephenson 2 rbi’s so far.. Benson and Hinds with hits.
Good to see others hitting not named Geno, Sal, Elly…
Nate Lowe is hitting well. That guy has to be in the everyday 9
Rece hinds get his chance.
Gets his chance and gets the run home
OTD 1973 the Reds were 12-8 and battling the Phillies. C Johnny Bench hitting .134 on the season. SP Gary Nolan struggling with arm injury. 3B Denis Menke not hitting. OF Bobby Tolan struggling.
Back to the future (today). Reds are 12-8 and battling Twins today. Close game. Could go either way. Reds hitters struggling. Reds bullpen doing well.
You might think otherwise if you read some of the comments above.
New ball game. Nice job Rece.
Hinds with a hit and now a rbi!!!
Nice job hinds. Not sure if McLain intentionally running making them cut with Geno running but its tied.
bad read by MMC.
No chance to throw out anyone at home.
He had it beat easily.
Now KBH and TJ lead off the 9th
Yep. No way he’s even sniffs a fastball.
Well, tied it up, but a McLain TOOTBLAN ended the inning early.
No tootblans. He stopped on purpose
That was actually very good base running by McLain.
Actually a smart play, he made the cut off man make a play. Made sure Suarez scored.
Brantley and Sadak were talking about it.
Disagreeing with all you fine people….lol
Weak throw from the CF.
Wasn’t running in when he caught it.
Those with the ability to rewind it…
Do so….you will see.
I got no beef with MMC tagging….I had a problem with him stopping.
Yes but McLain didn’t know anything that was going on. He had to play it the safest way to make SURE to get that run in. That run HAD to score.
Simple read IMO, in the way the CF caught and threw the ball.
It’s all good friends…
Just baseball banter,…and we got the lead!
“It’s all good friends…
Just baseball banter,…and we got the lead!”
You got it. 🙂
Well, Nicholas…
Come on Nicolas. You haven’t impressed me yet with the Reds. Throw strikes.
Ok, those 2 strikeouts were filthy.
Nicolas you proved me wrong today and I love it.
Guessing those Twins hitters are not happy. Getting buzzed up and in, then K’d.
That was nasty! Agreed.
Hear me out: How about this lineup going forward?
CF Myers
LF Benson
SS Elly
DH Sal
3B Geno
1B Lowe
RF Hinds
C Stephenson
2B McLain
I like it!!
Two thumbs up.
Solid. McLain should have a short leash though. Very short.
Spencer Steer will hit for Hayes and take over 3b in the 9th inning.
Steer won’t get near 3b unless it is as a runner. Stewart from 1b to 3b. Steer at 1b.
Just thinking, it’s got to be cold sitting in the shade. Or behind home plate calling balls snd strikes.
Great job, Nicolas!
Best out for Nicholas in a reds uniform!!
Nicolas looked saintly there!
Yep and I thought he should have done that in the 7th after Hinds reached .Reds have fought scratched and clawed and may not win but I like it.Regardless Lowe needs to play every day against righties.He just does.
Agree Roger I like it as well. 10 hits today.
Gotta baserunner
Friedl will bunt
Im calling havoc
Good call!
Tito ball!
Great read by Steer.
Great Dane! Lovely to watch. Huge.
Friedl has gotten a lot of hate but he set up the rbi by Myers, just drop him in the order.
Tito wants to win this game ! and Steer does not disappoint.
Two shots to get him in so lets do it and take the series.
Holy cow we have a team they can play small ball. This is what it took in 90. Awesome!
Great small ball to score a run!
A sac bunt, and rbi single.
The sac actually worked as drawn up.
Yes sir and lets get another run or two.
Tony looking for saving this game!
Well I want the win as well…
I will say win or lose this team had other guys come through. Hopefully it carries over to tomorrow!!!
Big takeaway for me too. That could be huge if they can carry that over.
Wow he challenged that?
He might be banned from challenging in the future
WTG, El Tigre! Great come from behind victory. Five runs on 11 hits!
Great win!
Great Comeback!!
Thank you Tony!
What a W!
Great game — lots of contributors! Team win. Let’s hope the momentum keeps rolling. Good April so far.
Reds WIN! pretty nice win…coming from behind and doing the necessary to get the game…incredible this season so far…
Remember when Reds could not win close games not so long ago? Tables have turned …
Squeaked out another one. This is the exact opposite of recent years when the Reds seemingly found ways to lose close games more often than not.
Late-game management has definitely improved.
Yeah, over multiple years … and this year they can’t lose ’em !
The Hinds hit turned things around, and the Reds still have “it”. One run each in the 7th, 8th, and 9th. Reds win 5-4 !
And don’t overlook that Hinds was running on the pitch Hayes grounded to SS. It was a lead pipe cinch GIDP otherwise.
Just said the same, below
Anyone think Tito Francona doesn’t make a huge difference as manager?
Yeah
Rece Hinds singles, advances to second base on a ground ball — to shortstop — after running on a pitch, and scores the third run. He then drives in the fourth and tying run. This is a good example of Hinds’ athleticism and how it can be used.
Reds had 11 H. Reds relievers had 9 K in 4.2 IP. Nice W today.
PS just like in 1973 (above), Reds move to 13-8 on the season.
As I mentioned last night. That 1870 record of 93 consecutive wins looks more breakable every day.
OK – they stole this one – credit to Tito +1. Good for the pen, kept Ashcraft and Pagan for tomorrow, all the right buttons pushed. Any word on MM getting into the DP – TOOTBLAN or tactic to get Suarez to cross home?
My guess is he held up to make sure Suarez scored, but of course it was a mistake overall. You’d think the guy would come home, but it looks like he throws like Friedl.
Smart play is to hold up and then steal 2nd after the sac fly
Cubs win. Pirates and Brewers winning. Cards later. What a division!
Red currently leading the best division in baseball with no Greene or Lodolo and no one really doing much at the plate besides Stewart and Suarez. Could be a real interesting season.
Watched for a while here in the “Canadian” AirBNB … then went into town for some dinner (second visit to the craft beer and wood fired pizza place). Watched the end on Gameday. What a finish. Abbott didn’t have it, but the boyz still picked him up. Another series win and another 1-run squeaker (a comeback that).
Tomorrow will take care of itself … 😀