This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon’s Reds Beat newsletter. Subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Facing an ever-growing issue of the Reds lineup lacking run production, manager Terry Francona tried something new and moved rookie Héctor Rodríguez into the leadoff spot for Wednesday's series finale against the Giants. It put Rodríguez ahead of Elly De La Cruz, who led off every game

SAN FRANCISCO -- Brady Singer is the only Reds starting pitcher who hasn't missed a start in the last two seasons. Even after Tuesday's injury scare where he banged up his side landing on the grass, Singer wasn't planning on missing his next outing. “No, no, no. Totally fine. Just

SAN FRANCISCO — The hardest part of the Reds' remaining schedule — the most difficult in the Majors — was supposed to happen after they finished the series against a team that had struggled all month in the Giants. Yet the Reds have already dropped this series with back-to-back defeats

SAN FRANCISCO — Since he returned from the injured list nearly two months ago, Reds closer Emilio Pagán has been back to being on all cylinders and as dependable as anyone could ask for. “[It helps] when you count backwards in the game, we just got to get to the

This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon's Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

SAN FRANCISCO — It certainly wasn't expected for Chase Burns to have a rough start for the Reds. They happen, even to All-Star starting pitchers enjoying exceptional seasons. But it was the opponent and the way the Giants got to him in Cincinnati's 5-0 loss on Monday at Oracle Park

SAN FRANCISCO — When Michael Toglia dislocated his right shoulder on Friday, the outfielder had every hope that he could play sooner than later. However, the results of an MRI exam on Monday bore out the bad news. Toglia will need season-ending surgery, which will be performed on Tuesday in

This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon's Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CINCINNATI -- It almost felt like a car accident you could see developing in slow motion. The Reds were poised for a feel-good win to claim a hard-fought five-game series on Thursday against the Cardinals. Matt McLain had slugged a go-ahead grand slam during a five-run sixth inning, and the

CINCINNATI -- While Reds’ postseason aspirations have faded, their three biggest draws this season are also their three biggest reasons to have higher hopes for seasons ahead. All were on display Wednesday during a come-from-behind 5-4 win against the Cardinals.

CINCINNATI -- For those wondering why manager Terry Francona isn't giving shortstop Elly De La Cruz a full day off, look no further than Tuesday's 3-0 Reds’ loss to the Cardinals.

CINCINNATI -- After a long stretch of seeing him struggle both offensively and defensively in right field for the Reds, manager Terry Francona had Noelvi Marte in his office on Monday night and asked him how he thought things were going. "And he said, ‘Not very well,’" Francona said. For

CINCINNATI — How does a Russian professional tennis star become a Reds fan, let alone a baseball fan? Through a combination of old school and new school ways. Daniil Medvedev, currently the No. 7-ranked ATP player in the world, is in town to play the Cincinnati Open. He told the

This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon’s Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CINCINNATI — Elly De La Cruz doesn't like getting days off from Reds manager Terry Francona and the superstar shortstop feels barely better about being used as a designated hitter.

WASHINGTON — After he underwent a second opinion for his sore right elbow, Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene will have to undergo surgery to repair a damaged ulnar collateral ligament. The type and extent of the procedure Greene will need is not yet known. It will take place on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON -- It was a weekend where all the Reds' momentum -- especially offensively -- grounded to a halt much like a congressional filibuster can do for a bill on its way to becoming a law. On Sunday afternoon, Reds hitters were faced with a Nationals bullpen day from an

WASHINGTON — With small playoff chances and the hardest remaining schedule in the Major Leagues, the Reds can no longer afford to squander any series. Especially against a team also not currently contending like the Nationals and while they have All-Star Chase Burns on the mound. But that's exactly what

WASHINGTON -- After trailing early to the Nationals on Friday, the Reds responded in a manner that made it feel like they had the ingredients on the counter to cook up a comeback. It was a bullpen game, but relievers mostly did well while the offense responded with three solo

This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon’s Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CINCINNATI -- Entering Wednesday, the Reds' chances of making the playoffs – according to FanGraphs – were just 2%. Not great at all, or even close to good, but players haven't written themselves off with just under two months until the postseason. Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the A's at Great

CINCINNATI — Only five starts into his return from elbow surgery, Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene went on the 15-day injured list Wednesday after experiencing right elbow soreness. Greene, who had an MRI on Wednesday morning, is headed to Los Angeles for a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache on

CINCINNATI -- Starting pitcher Nick Lodolo made a rehab start Wednesday afternoon for Triple-A Louisville, and depending on how he felt coming out of the outing, the lefty could soon return to the big leagues. Lodolo, who went on the injured list for the second time this season July 12

CINCINNATI -- When Monday's Trade Deadline came and went without him being dealt away from the Reds, catcher Tyler Stephenson could immediately relax and felt the weight of uncertainty lift. “I did sleep a lot better last night, that’s for sure," Stephenson said.