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1 Way Cincinnati Reds Can Become True Title Contenders
TL;DR
The Cincinnati Reds are currently leading the NL Central but need more production from third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who is recovering from an oblique injury. His return timeline remains uncertain.
Key points
- Cincinnati Reds lead the NL Central at 20-11
- Eugenio Suarez has not played since April 22 due to injury
- Suarez's current stats include .231 batting average and .663 OPS
Cincinnati RedsEugenio Suarez
1 Way Cincinnati Reds Can Become True Title Contenders
The Cincinnati Reds are building on their first playoff season since 2020, as they entered Friday atop the NL Central at 20-11. However, they could still get more production out of third baseman Eugenio Suarez.
The 34-year-old hasn't played since April 22 due to an oblique injury, and manager Terry Francona said that the oblique is "still tender" on Wednesday, via FOX19's Charlie Goldsmith. His timetable to return is still unclear.
The Reds need more production out of Suarez whenever he does come back. The 5-foot-11, 213-pounder is hitting .231 with a .663 OPS, three homers, and 11 RBIs over 25 games thus far. Meanwhile, he has a .246 batting average and a .790 OPS over 1,656 career games.
In other words, Suarez was not performing to his standard before he went down. The native Venezuelan earned his second All-Star nod last season and finished with an .824 OPS, 49 homers and 118 RBIs across 159 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. He also added three homers and eight RBIs across 12 playoff games for the Mariners.
Still, the Reds are off to a hot start this year largely thanks to a bevy of young players. For example, the 22-year-old first baseman Sal Stewart is an NL Rookie of the Year contender, as he entered Friday slashing .281/.373/.570 with nine homers and 29 RBIs across 31 games. He topped the squad in RBIs and on-base percentage.
Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz has also been his usual productive self, as he entered Friday slashing .282/.355/.565 with 10 homers and 24 RBIs. The 24-year-old led the team in batting average, homers, and hits (35).
Q&A
What is Eugenio Suarez's current injury status?
Eugenio Suarez is recovering from an oblique injury and has not played since April 22, with his return timeline still unclear.
How is Eugenio Suarez performing this season?
This season, Suarez is hitting .231 with a .663 OPS, three homers, and 11 RBIs over 25 games.
What do the Cincinnati Reds need to become title contenders?
The Reds need increased production from Eugenio Suarez upon his return to enhance their chances of becoming true title contenders.
