Eugenio Suárez injury unlocks opportunity for Reds hidden difference maker

Eugenio Suárez was a late-scratch from Friday's lineup, and Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona revealed after the game that he'll be placed on the IL with a low-grade oblique strain. Thankfully, the Reds have the perfect replacement already on the roster, and he came up clutch against the Detroit Tigers during Cincinnati's 9-8 walk-off victory.

Nathaniel Lowe was the hero on Friday night. He wasn't part of the Reds' original lineup, but after Suárez suffered a setback during batting practice, Francona amended his lineup card and inserted Lowe as the team's DH. His two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning was the difference in the game.

Lowe's walk-off winner was his second round-tripper of the night. He also sent a solo shot screaming out of Great American Ball Park on Friday during the sixth inning on a ball that came off the bat at 112.7 mph.

Nathaniel Lowe will fill as the Reds DH with Eugenio Suárez out

Cincinnati added Lowe on a minor-league deal during the offseason, and that may turn out to be a stroke of genius of the past Nick Krall and the Reds front office. Lowe split time between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox last season and posted a combined .228/.307/.381 slash line with 18 home runs and 84 RBI.

Those numbers were the worst of Lowe's career, but he seemed to turn the corner after being picked up by Boston is mid-August. During his run with the Red Sox, he hit .280/.370/.420 with a 114 wRC+.

Reds fans should expect Lowe to slide right into the designated hitter role that Suárez was filling this season — though the former Gold Glove Award-winner will likely see some extended time at first base as well. Geno signed a one-year, $15 million contract to be Cincinnati's primary DH in 2026, but Lowe will pick up that mantle most days with Suárez set to hit the 10-day IL.

The Reds are expected to recall JJ Bleday ahead of Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. The former Athletics standout has been on a tear at Triple-A Louisville since the season began and is hitting .345/.461/.667 in 23 minor-league games. Bleday will likely see time in the outfield and DH as well.

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