Playoff-hungry Reds just found their spark with Sal Stewart promotion

Better late than never. That’s the theme around the Cincinnati Reds bringing up top infield prospect Sal Stewart as part of their September call-ups. The timing may feel overdue, but with the playoff race tightening and the Reds still within striking distance of the final NL Wild Card spot, Stewart’s arrival might be the shot of adrenaline this club needs.

The Reds entered September trailing the New York Mets for the last Wild Card berth, sitting just outside the picture with roughly 24 games to play. It’s not exactly a comfortable margin, but it’s also far from a death sentence. Momentum can shift fast in September, and the addition of a hot-hitting bat like Stewart’s could be the spark plug that helps Cincinnati close the gap.

Reds turn to top prospect Sal Stewart to keep playoff hopes alive

September roster expansions give organizations a chance to test their future while fighting for their present, and Stewart has every reason to embrace this audition. For the Reds, it’s not just about seeing what they’ve got in the 21-year-old infielder, it’s about riding his bat to a potential postseason push. Stewart’s ascent through the minors has been fueled by consistent production and improved power, showing flashes that made him a first-round pick in 2022.

The Reds used one of their two expansion slots to bring Stewart up from Triple-A Louisville, while also recalling right-handed reliever Yosver Zulueta to bolster the bullpen. It didn’t take long for Stewart to show why the organization felt he was worth the call. Slotted straight into the starting lineup against the Toronto Blue Jays, Stewart wasted no time making an impact.

After Gavin Lux opened the second inning with a double, Stewart lined a single to left off Chris Bassitt in his very first big-league at-bat. Both would later score on a Ke’Bryan Hayes double, a fitting introduction to the kind of immediate spark Cincinnati is hoping Stewart can provide.

For a fanbase starved for October baseball, Stewart’s debut couldn’t come at a better moment. Every game from here on out carries playoff weight, and every hit from Stewart will feel magnified. Whether he’s just writing the opening chapter of a long Reds career or about to stamp his name into a playoff chase, the impact is undeniable. Sal Stewart has arrived, and the timing couldn’t be better.

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