The Cincinnati Reds made a decision on designated hitter Eugenio Suarez.
The Cincinnati Reds made a lineup decision involving Eugenio Suarez ahead of their series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, as the veteran slugger was not included in Wednesday’s starting group.
Suarez, who rejoined Cincinnati in free agency this past winter, has been a consistent presence throughout his career thanks to his power and durability. That is why his absence stands out, especially this early in the season when teams are still settling into their regular routines.
The Reds announced their lineup for Wednesday’s series finale against the Pirates and Suarez was removed from the lineup. In his place, Nathaniel Lowe was slotted at designated hitter and hitting fifth in the batting order.
There are a few clear reasons behind the decision. The Pirates are sending ace Paul Skenes to the mound, presenting a difficult matchup. Suarez is currently 0-for-6 in his career against Skenes, while Lowe brings a platoon advantage that makes him a more favorable option in this specific spot.
Suarez has also struggled out of the gate. Through his first five games, he is hitting .190 with a .227 on base percentage and .561 OPS. While it is still very early, giving him a day off can help him reset at the plate before the schedule intensifies and the regular season picks up.
The timing adds another layer to the decision. With Cincinnati scheduled for an off day on Thursday, Suarez will now get two full days away from game action (unless he makes a pinch-hit appearance). That extended break could be beneficial as he looks to get back on track offensively.
Even with the slow start, Suarez remains a central part of the Reds plans. The 34-year-old returned on a one-year $15 million deal and is expected to provide power in the middle of the batting order behind first baseman Sal Stewart. Last season, he delivered exactly that, hitting 49 home runs and driving in 118 RBIs between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Seattle Mariners.
It is also worth noting how rarely Suarez sits. He appeared in 162 games in 2023, 158 in 2024 and 159 in 2025, showing a level of durability few players can match.
For Cincinnati, this move is more about maximizing matchups and managing the early part of the season. Suarez is still expected to play a major role as the Reds push to build momentum and contend for another postseason appearance.