Reds have simple fix that could get Sal Stewart rolling again

Cincinnati Reds' infielder Sal Stewart has entered the first real slump of his young career. The Reds' prized rookie has gone from red-hot to ice-cold over the past two weeks. He's hitting just .197/.254/.328 during his last 15 games and hasn't recorded a base hit since the calendar flipped to May. It's time for Reds manager Terry Francona to seriously consider giving Stewart a night off.

Stewart's a competitor, and much like Elly De La Cruz, it's highly unlikely that the 22-year-old will take too kindly to an evening on the bench, but he needs a quick reset. Stewart is mired in an 0-for-19 slump and giving him that extra day of rest could be just what the doctor ordered.

Reds manager Terry Francona needs to sit Sal Stewart for a game

The aim of giving a slumping player a day off isn't punishment, it's correction. Oftentimes players — especially young rookies like Stewart — can have a difficult time dealing with adversity. While it's important for him to learn how to battle through hardship, he's started every game this season. He's hitless in his last four games and his aggressiveness at the dish has resulted in just one walk since April 26.

The Reds are more than capable of filling the void defensively if Stewart receives an off-day. Spencer Steer got his second start of the season at first base during the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates and was a Gold Glove finalist at the position last season. Nathaniel Lowe actually won a Gold Glove Award a first base back in 2023, and has been one of Cincinnati's most productive hitters over the last week.

Steer has also been heating up of late. Over the past two weeks, he's hitting .310/.431/.524 and could be bumped up in the Reds' batting order to take over for Stewart as the team's cleanup hitter.

Stewart has also been battling some frustrations outside of the batter's box brought about by opposing pitchers. He was in the middle of a heated exchange with San Francisco Giants closer Erik Miller last month, and took issue with pitcher Chris Devenski after the Pirates' reliever appeared to intentionally throw at Stewart during the middle of a blowout loss on Saturday.

Given all the circumstances surrounding Stewart at the moment, it would be prudent for Francona to give him a day off. Tito talked before the 2026 campaign began about the need to give De La Cruz more adequate rest during the season as well; but the Reds shortstop has yet to sit this season. Even a team's best players need a day off every so often.

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