Eugenio Suárez takes big step toward return, but puts Reds in a tricky spot

Eugenio Suárez was back on the field Friday — sort of. Though Suárez was not in the Cincinnati Reds starting lineup, FOX19's Charlie Goldsmith reported that the slugger was on the field and participated in team batting practice ahead of the club's upcoming clash against the Cleveland Guardians.

Suárez has been out of commission since the end of April after landing on the 10-day IL with an oblique injury. The Reds' lineup has been missing Geno's presence in the worst way possible, as evidenced by the team's win-loss record over the past two-plus weeks. The Reds have gone just 7-11 since Suárez hit the IL.

Reds manager Terry Francona has yet to confirm whether or not Suárez will need a tune up in Triple-A before returning to the active roster. While most Reds fans would assume Geno might need a quick rehab assignment in the minor leagues, he's been with the team throughout his time on the IL, and has been performing minor baseball activities to stay ready.

Which Reds player will lose his spot when Eugenio Suárez returns?

At the moment, there's no timetable for Suárez's return. But if he continues to make progress, one has to image he'll be back before the end of May. Assuming there are no other injuries or roster moves between now and the time Suárez returns, Cincinnati's front office will have a tough decision to make.

Once Geno landed on the IL, Nathaniel Lowe took his spot in the lineup as the Reds' designated hitter. Lowe has done enough during Suárez's time away to warrant regular playing — especially against right-handed pitching.

Will Benson has seen an uptick in playing time of late, and though TJ Friedl's time in center field has taken a hit, he's still viewed as a key member of this year's team. Both players are also left-handed hitters, and are unlikely to be affected by Suárez's return.

The most logical move is to option Blake Dunn back to Triple-A, but the former 15th-round draft pick has held his own since being promoted to the big leagues on May 3. Dunn owns an .853 OPS in 14 at-bats this season and fills a very niche role as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner late in games.

One move that seems unlikely — though Reds fans would surely appreciate it — is releasing Ke'Bryan Hayes. The Reds third base has been abysmal at the plate this season (.445 OPS) and even his defense has taken a step back. It's difficult to see Cincinnati releasing Hayes, however, as they'd still be responsible the $30 million remaining on his current contract.

Obviously an injury or poor performance between now and the time Suárez returns could greatly influence who gets sent back to the minor leagues (or released). For now, Reds fans are no doubt excited to hear a positive update about Geno's impending return.