MLB Player News

Johnson went 1-for-2 with a walk and two stolen bases in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

Getting the start at second base and batting seventh in the nightcap, Johnson swiped both his bags after an eighth-inning walk as he tried to produce an insurance run in a 2-0 victory. It was only Johnson's second big-league start since making his debut for the Reds on June 30, and the hit and stolen bases were the first of his career. Edwin Arroyo has been scuffling of late, but any chance for Johnson to see more opportunities at the keystone will likely disappear once Matt McLain (calf) returns from the IL.

Pagan recorded his 11th save of the season in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

The veteran righty completed a combined shutout for the Reds staff that featured five different pitchers, as the group combined to allow just three singles. Pagan has converted all five of his save chances since coming off the IL at the beginning of July, and on the month he's produced a 2.46 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB over 7.1 innings.

Stewart went 2-for-3 with two walks, a home run, three RBI and a stolen base in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

The 22-year-old got the Reds on the board with a solo shot off Slade Cecconi in the third inning before driving in two more runs in the fourth with a single. The steal was Stewart's first since June 16 and his 12th of the season, but he's gone yard three times in the last eight contests to reach 22 on the year. After going 0-for-3 in the nightcap, Stewart sports a .254/.332/.475 slash line through 106 contests with 56 runs and 79 RBI.

Burns didn't factor into the decision in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians, allowing five runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out four.

The matinee got off to a disastrous start for Burns and the Reds, as an Edwin Arroyo error helped prolong the first inning and eventually set up a grand slam by Kyle Manzardo. The right-hander kept his cool and shut Cleveland down for the next three frames, exiting after 89 pitches (58 strikes) with the score tied 5-5. Burns still hasn't been saddled with a loss since April 10, and over nine starts since the beginning of June he's gone 5-0 with a 2.98 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 56:21 K:BB over 48.1 innings. He'll look to stay sharp in his next outing, which is currently scheduled to come at home this weekend against the Pirates.

Franco was removed from Tuesday night's contest against the Guardians in the seventh inning with an apparent injury, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Franco pitched 3.2 scoreless innings, surrendering one hit and two walks while striking out two batters before his departure. The 25-year-old was able to get Austin Hedges to pop out for the second out in the top of the seventh, but Franco immediately motioned to the dugout after his final pitch. More information on his status will likely be provided in the near future.

Ortiz is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Giants.

Dating back to July 4, Ortiz started in all but two of the Brewers' ensuing 20 games and enjoyed his best offensive stretch of the season, slashing .339/.388/.629 with three home runs, three steals, nine runs and nine RBI. The recent return of David Hamilton from the injured list presents a potential roadblock to Ortiz maintaining an everyday role, but Ortiz won't be phased out entirely while he's swinging a hot bat. Expect Hamilton and Ortiz to be deployed in something of a timeshare at third base, with Ortiz also picking up occasional starts at shortstop when rookie Cooper Pratt is rested.

McDonald is scheduled to undergo UCL reconstruction surgery in early August, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

McDonald was diagnosed with a sprained UCL in his right elbow Friday, and after seeking out a second opinion, he will opt to go under the knife to address the issue. The procedure will end his season early and likely rule him out for most, if not all, of 2027 as well. He'll close the book on 2026 after logging a 5.12 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 70.1 innings across 14 starts.

Bader had a scooter accident this past weekend and further injured his left foot, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Bader has been sidelined since late May while nursing plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The outfielder met with a foot and ankle specialist in Indianapolis on Monday, and he will now require an MRI, which he will undergo Tuesday. Bader can be considered without a timetable to return for the time being.

Glasnow (back) will face live hitters again Wednesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Glasnow will take on live batters for the second time in a week after having done so already Friday. The right-hander has been on the shelf since May 8 due to lower back spasms, but he finally appears to be moving closer to a return. If all goes well Wednesday, Glasnow would be on track to begin a minor-league rehab assignment thereafter. Prior to landing on the injured list, the 32-year-old had compiled a 2.72 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with 49 punchouts over 39.2 innings in seven starts.

Hernandez (oblique) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Kirsten Watson of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Hernandez will return to the major-league roster after spending two months on the injured list with a left oblique strain. The 34-year-old went 8-for-24 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored over seven contests with Triple-A Oklahoma City during his minor-league rehab assignment. Hernandez has the ability to play any position on the field outside of catcher, and although he won't be the regular starter at any spot, he will likely find himself in the lineup pretty regularly against left-handed pitchers.