“Muñoz” tag's highlights of related matches, posts & more...
Should Will Benson get a shot at HITTING LEADOFF for the Cincinnati Reds | Analysis, Breakdown
Craig Sandlin and Greg Kuffner discuss if Will Benson could be an option to hit leadoff for the Cincinnati Reds given his patience at the plate and high on base percentage this year. ------------------------------------ Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.or ----------------------------------- As the Cincinnati Reds look to optimize their lineup for the 2026 season, Will Benson presents a high-risk, high-reward option as the lead-off hitter, blending elite speed with a penchant for high-variance offensive production. His viability stems from a 2023–2024 profile that suggested top-tier talent, tempered by significant 2024 regressions and a 2025 season filled with demotions, high hard-hit rates, and, ultimately, poor luck. Previous Leadoff Experience and Performance Benson has served as a leadoff option in various capacities since joining the Reds, though he has not solidified himself as the exclusive table-setter. In 2024, he hit the first leadoff home run of his Major League career on May 16th against Tyler Glasnow, a 439-foot blast. His 2023 form was particularly promising, where he hit \(.275\) with a \(.365\) on-base percentage (OBP) across 108 games, showing the patience and discipline often required of a leadoff hitter. Reds Metrics and Career Path Benson’s tenure in Cincinnati has been streaky. After a breakout 2023, he fell to a \(.187\) batting average in 343 at-bats in 2024, while his strikeout rate remained high. However, his underlying, or expected, stats often paint a brighter picture. In early 2025, despite a low batting average, he was among the league leaders in barrel rate, average exit velocity, and hard-hit percentage (top 15%), suggesting a significant positive regression was on the horizon. As of May 9, 2026, he has struggled early, with a \(.207\) average in 31 games, but maintaining high power and on-base potential, including 13 walks. Viability for 2026 Benson's main strength as a leadoff hitter is his ability to get on base (.352 OBP in 2026) and his 94th-percentile speed, which provides run-scoring potential. His 2025 season showed a refined approach, reducing his strikeout rate to 26.5% and swinging more in the zone. However, his inconsistency and inability to consistently produce against left-handed pitchers make him a specialized option, often best used when he is in a hot streak. His 2026 outlook under Manager Terry Francona is that of a "streaky" player who can carry the offense when hot, but who must be managed carefully regarding his playing time against tough left-handed matchups. If he can match his 2025 Statcast metrics—where he ranked in the top 15% in expected slugging (\(xSLG\)) and hard-hit rate—with better fortune on balls in play (\(BABIP\)), he could finally provide the consistent speed-and-power lead-off combo the Reds have needed since his breakout 2023.
Have the Cincinnati Reds found their NEW CLOSER in Pierce Johnson | MLB Analysis, Breakdown, Podcast
Craig Sandlin and Greg Kufner (RedsDaily4) discuss the decision to use Pierce Johnson as the closer for the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. ------------------------------------ Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.org ----------------------------------- Following his acquisition by the Cincinnati Reds, veteran right-hander Pierce Johnson enters the 2026 season as a highly viable candidate for the closer role, bringing a high-octane, curveball-heavy approach to the ninth inning. While often utilized as a setup man throughout his career, Johnson's previous experience and recent metrics suggest he has the high-leverage pedigree required to anchor the Reds' bullpen. Previous Experience and Save Success Johnson has extensive late-inning experience, culminating in a breakout 2023 season split between Colorado and Atlanta, where he set a career-high with 13 saves. During his stint with the Braves that same year, he posted an impressive 0.76 ERA across 24 appearances, proving he can dominate in high-stakes environments. While primarily a setup option in 2024 and 2025, Johnson continued to garner save opportunities. His reliability is underscored by his ability to maintain high strikeout numbers, with a career-high 90 strikeouts in 2023, showcasing his ability to generate swings-and-misses in crucial moments. Metrics and Performance as a Red Early in the 2026 season, Johnson has demonstrated solid performance, solidifying his role in the Reds' late-inning mix, often working alongside Emilio Pagán. He has shown an ability to limit damage and maintain a strong presence in high-leverage spots. His 2026 metrics highlight continued elite strikeout capability. In early May 2026, he was noted for having a 0.00 ERA over his previous 7 days, and even picking up saves. His 2025 season with Atlanta saw a 3.05 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP over 65 appearances, demonstrating consistency. Why He is Viable as Closer Johnson's viability is anchored in his unique arsenal, specifically his curveball, which he throws at a very high rate—sometimes over 70% of his pitches, among the highest in MLB. This breaking ball, paired with a four-seam fastball that averages around 94–96 MPH, allows him to create significant movement and miss bats frequently. In 2023, his strikeout percentage ranked in the 96th percentile league-wide. While he can be prone to the long ball at times, his ability to generate swing-and-miss (91st percentile whiff rate in 2023) makes him an ideal candidate to close out tight games for Cincinnati. His veteran presence, especially having been a key piece in the Braves' bullpen, provides the composure needed for the ninth inning. Johnson brings a proven track record of handling pressure, a high strikeout rate, and a reliable arsenal, making him arguably the best candidate to secure saves for the 2026 Reds.
Cincinnati Reds SNAP losing streak! Burns DOMINANT over Houston Astros |MLB Recap Podcast Highlights
0:00 Watching the 9th inning 10:45 Post Game Show Craig and Greg will be live in the 9th inning! The Houston Astros (16-23) take on the reeling Cincinnati Reds (20-19) on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 4:10 PM EDT at Great American Ball Park, aiming to compound a miserable week for the home team. Following a lopsided 10-0 victory in Friday’s series opener, Houston seeks to win the series behind a dominant pitching matchup, while Cincinnati attempts to snap a disastrous eight-game losing streak that has seen them drop from first to last in the NL Central. ------------------------------------ Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.org ----------------------------------- Pitching Matchup: Young Aces Collide The Saturday showdown features an intriguing duel between two emerging right-handers. The Astros counter with Spencer Arrighetti (4-0, 1.96 ERA), who has been exceptional early in 2026. While his underlying data shows a high 5.5 BB/9 (walks per nine innings), his elite curveball has allowed him to limit damage, with opponents struggling to score against him. Conversely, the Reds look to stop the bleeding with their own young talent, Chase Burns (3-1, 2.20 ERA). Burns has been dominant, striking out 46 batters in 41 innings with a 1.02 WHIP. His slider boasts an elite 48.8% whiff rate, which will be tested against a surging Astros lineup. Astros Trending Upward Houston's offense exploded on Friday, with homers from Yordan Alvarez, Zach Dezenzo, Zach Cole, and Christian Vazquez. The team, now sitting at 16-23 after a slow start, has shown signs of life, with key contributors like Brice Matthews and Jose Altuve providing consistent production. The Astros have won four of their last six games, looking to continue their momentum in Cincinnati. Reds Desperate for Runs The Reds are in a freefall, having been outscored dramatically during their eight-game skid and falling into last place. Following a 10-0 shutout loss on Friday, where they were held to just five hits, the offense needs a major turnaround. While Elly De La Cruz has been a bright spot with 10 home runs on the season, the rest of the lineup has struggled to find consistency, and the pressure on Chase Burns to deliver a perfect start is immense.
Cincinnati Reds LOSE 5TH STRAIGHT GAME to Chicago Cubs in Extras | MLB Postgame Recap, Highlights
00:00 Trace Fowler and Craig Sandlin Live in the 9th Inning 27:58 10th Inning 40:01 Walk-Off Reaction... 45:33 Full Game Recap Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-... Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.org ----------------------------------- Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs – May 5, 2026 Preview The Chicago Cubs (23-12) host the Cincinnati Reds (20-15) on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field in a key NL Central showdown. The Cubs sit atop the division, riding a 12-game home winning streak — the longest at Wrigley since 1935 — and have won 15 of their last 18 games overall. The Reds, battling in third place, dropped the series opener 5-4 on Monday in a heartbreaker featuring a Michael Conforto walk-off homer. Pitching Matchup: Andrew Abbott (Reds) vs. Jameson Taillon (Cubs) Left-hander Andrew Abbott (1-2, 5.97 ERA, 1.67 WHIP) starts for Cincinnati. The 26-year-old has shown flashes but struggles with consistency, allowing too many hard-hit balls and baserunners. He posted a decent outing against Colorado recently (2 runs in 6 IP) but faces a Cubs lineup that ranks among the league’s better offenses. Right-hander Jameson Taillon (2-1, 4.41 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) counters for Chicago. Taillon provides steady innings and has kept the ball in the yard better lately, though he has surrendered at least one homer in five straight starts. His lower walk rate gives the Cubs an edge in limiting free passes. The betting line favors the Cubs at home (-164) with the over/under set at 8 runs, reflecting Wrigley’s hitter-friendly conditions and both teams’ offensive potential. Team Strengths and Key Players The Cubs boast one of the NL’s top offenses, averaging over 5 runs per game. Standouts include Ian Happ (strong history vs. Reds), Seiya Suzuki (power and consistency), Pete Crow-Armstrong (speed, defense, and rising star potential), Michael Busch, and new addition Alex Bregman at third base, bolstering an already solid infield. Chicago’s recent hot streak highlights their depth and clutch hitting. The Reds counter with dynamic talent led by Elly De La Cruz (speed and power), Tyler Stephenson (elite hard-hit and plate discipline metrics), and contributors like Spencer Steer and JJ Bleday. Cincinnati has shown fight, winning close games (7-2 in one-run contests), but their pitching staff has been inconsistent, posting a higher team ERA. Recent Form and Context Chicago extended their home dominance with Monday’s comeback win, powered by Suzuki’s massive three-run homer. The Cubs lead the Reds by three games in the division and aim to pull away early in the season. Cincinnati enters on a mini skid but remains competitive, boasting a solid road record (10-7) and young upside. Wrigley Field’s atmosphere should be electric for this intradivision battle. Factors like wind, bullpen usage (both teams leaned on relievers Monday), and timely hitting will decide the outcome. The Cubs’ home momentum and pitching edge make them favorites, but the Reds’ athleticism — particularly on the bases and with power threats — keeps this matchup dangerous. Prediction and Outlook Expect an offensive showcase. The Cubs’ lineup depth and home cooking suggest a narrow victory, perhaps 5-4 or 6-3, pushing their home winning streak to 13 games. The Reds have the talent to steal a game if Abbott can limit damage early and their speed creates chaos on the bases. This series carries early-season weight in the NL Central. A Cubs win would widen the gap and reinforce their status as division frontrunners, while a Reds victory would tighten the race and validate Cincinnati’s contention hopes. With strong lineups on both sides and Wrigley’s unpredictable elements, fans should be treated to an entertaining night of baseball.
Cincinnati Reds BLOW 9th Inning Lead at Chicago Cubs, SPOIL Chase Petty's gem | Recap, Highlights
0:00 Watch the 9th inning (if you dare) 14:00 Post Game Show Trace and Craig will be LIVE in the 9th inning. A crucial National League Central series opener kicks off at Wrigley Field on Monday, May 4, 2026, as the first-place Chicago Cubs (22-12) host the second-place Cincinnati Reds (20-14). The Cubs are riding high after a series sweep of the Diamondbacks, seizing a two-game lead over Cincinnati, while the Reds look to break a three-game skid after being swept by the Pirates. ----------------------------------- Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-... Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.org ----------------------------------- Pitching Matchup: Young Arm vs. Veteran Stability The Reds are recalling top prospect Chase Petty to make his 2026 debut, a high-stakes spot against their biggest rival. Petty, who had a challenging 2025 appearance, started 2026 with a 4.38 ERA over six starts in Triple-A. He faces a tough assignment against the Cubs' Edward Cabrera, who has been a standout in 2026. Cabrera (3-0, 3.06 ERA) has provided stability to the Cubs' rotation, bringing a 1.19 WHIP and strong strikeout numbers into this matchup. Top Performers & Keys to the Game The Cubs’ offense has been clicking, led by Nico Hoerner (.280+ AVG, 26 RBI) and Seiya Suzuki, who has been hot over the last 10 games. The Cubs have won 16 of their last 20 games and are 14-5 at home. For Cincinnati, the offense revolves around Elly De La Cruz, who has showcased elite power with 10 home runs early in the season. However, the Reds' offense has struggled recently, scoring 3 or fewer runs in 5 of their last 10 games. The team, managed by Terry Francona, needs to find consistent production outside of De La Cruz to break their road losing streak. Weather & Betting Trends Inclement weather threatened the game, with thunderstorms expected, causing the first pitch to be moved up to 6:10 p.m. CT. Betting analysts strongly favor the Cubs (-210) due to the pitching mismatch and home-field advantage. While the over/under is set high (11.5 runs), the Under has been profitable in recent head-to-head matchups. What's at Stake A win for the Cubs could extend their lead in the NL Central and continue their momentum. For the Reds, a win for Petty in his return would provide a massive morale boost and shrink the gap to one game, proving they can compete with the division leaders despite their recent slump.
Reds SWEPT By Pirates, Cincinnati Bengals Free Agent Rumors, Reds vs. Cubs Series Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates put together a dominant and well-rounded performance over the weekend, sweeping the Cincinnati Reds with wins of 9–1, 17–7, and 1–0. The three-game set showcased just how versatile Pittsburgh can be, winning with both explosive offense and lockdown pitching. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com The series opened with a convincing 9–1 victory, as the Pirates set the tone early. Their lineup applied steady pressure, stringing together hits and capitalizing on mistakes. Meanwhile, the pitching staff kept Cincinnati’s offense quiet, allowing little room for any comeback. It was a balanced effort that highlighted Pittsburgh’s ability to control a game from start to finish. If Game 1 was controlled, Game 2 was a full-on offensive eruption. The Pirates exploded for 17 runs, overwhelming the Reds in nearly every inning. Hits came from throughout the lineup, with multiple players contributing big performances. Extra-base hits, timely swings, and relentless pressure turned the game into a rout. Cincinnati simply had no answer, as Pittsburgh took advantage of every opportunity and showed the depth of its offense. The finale told a completely different story, but with the same result. In a tight 1–0 win, the Pirates relied on elite pitching and defensive execution. Every pitch mattered, and the staff delivered under pressure, shutting out the Reds and preserving the narrow lead. It was a testament to their ability to win in different ways—slugging when needed and grinding out close games when offense is scarce. Outscoring Cincinnati 27–8 over the series, Pittsburgh demonstrated a clear edge in execution, consistency, and adaptability. Whether through power at the plate or precision on the mound, the Pirates dictated the terms all weekend, leaving the Reds searching for answers as the division race continues. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
