The Reds will be without veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez for their next two games, but the reason for Suárez’s absence isn’t a typical one.
The Venezuela native, who makes his home in Miami, will miss Cincinnati’s contests against the Padres on Tuesday and Wednesday at Great American Ball Park to take the U.S. naturalization test, according to a report on the club’s TV broadcast during Monday’s game. The test, which consists of a written English language exam, an oral civics test and an interview are required to obtain U.S. citizenship.
Signed as an international free agent by Detroit at age 17 in 2008, the 35-year-old native of Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, has played for the Tigers, Reds, Mariners and D-backs during his 13-year MLB career. Now, he is choosing to remain in the U.S. for good.
Wondering why Suárez must miss time to take the naturalization test? Applicants are not permitted to choose the date and time of their exam and interview; it is instead scheduled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Suárez, who signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Reds after slugging 49 home runs in 2025, has a .206/.298/.410 slash line with 20 home runs and 59 RBIs. He was placed on outright waivers last week but went unclaimed and remained with Cincinnati.