BREAKING NEWS: Cincinnati Reds Calling Up #16 Ranked Prospect Carlos Jorge! | MLB Rumors, Highlights

Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin break down the Cincinnati Reds decision to call up their No. 16-ranked prospect, outfielder Carlos Jorge, from Triple-A Louisville. They discuss why the Reds made the move, what Jorge can bring to the roster, his journey through the organization and where he fits into the team’s long-term plans. Plus, Nick and Craig examine what the corresponding roster move could be.

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The Cincinnati Reds closed their latest homestand with some much-needed momentum, winning two of three games against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park. Cincinnati dropped the series opener but responded with back-to-back victories, improving to 67-73 and earning its second consecutive series win against a playoff contender.

Wednesday’s 7-3 victory featured contributions from several of the younger players who will receive extended opportunities during the final month of the season. The Reds fell behind 3-0 but immediately answered with four runs in the bottom of the second inning.

Juan Brito delivered the biggest swing, launching a game-tying three-run homer for the first hit and home run of his Reds career. Héctor Rodríguez followed two batters later with his fifth home run of the season, giving Cincinnati a 4-3 lead. JJ Bleday provided additional insurance with a two-run homer in the seventh, while Matt McLain added a sacrifice fly.

The Reds received an encouraging performance from Brandon Williamson in his return from the 60-day injured list. Making his first major-league appearance since April, Williamson allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over 5.1 innings. He settled down after a difficult start and retired eight consecutive batters at one point.

Williamson is expected to work behind Chase Burns during Burns’ remaining starts. The arrangement will allow the Reds to manage the rookie’s workload while still giving Williamson meaningful innings during the final weeks of the season. Burns is currently scheduled to make his next start Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The bullpen was excellent after Williamson departed. Pierce Johnson escaped a sixth-inning threat before Tejay Antone, Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagán finished the game. Cincinnati’s relievers combined to hold San Diego hitless over the final 3.2 innings.

That performance came one night after Nick Lodolo delivered six strong innings in a 4-3 victory. Lodolo limited the Padres to two runs, and the Reds broke a tie with two runs in the eighth. José Trevino drove home the go-ahead run with a bases-loaded single, while Brito added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly. Pagán survived a Fernando Tatis Jr. home run in the ninth to record his 20th save.

Elly De La Cruz remains in the lineup despite dealing with a small strain in his left quadriceps. De La Cruz initially suffered the injury during Sunday’s victory over the Chicago Cubs. The Reds have since used him as the designated hitter, with McLain moving to shortstop and Edwin Arroyo receiving time at second base. Manager Terry Francona said De La Cruz was cleared to play through the injury as long as it does not worsen.

Several other Reds continue working through injuries. Ke’Bryan Hayes is on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain but could return in September. Graham Ashcraft is progressing through a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Louisville after missing more than three months with a right UCL sprain.

Spencer Steer’s outlook is less encouraging. Steer has been limited to strengthening exercises because of his injured right wrist and is scheduled for another examination on September 11. A return this season appears unlikely.

The Reds remain on the outside of the National League playoff picture, but the final month offers an important evaluation period. Cincinnati can use September to assess its young position players, carefully manage Burns’ workload and determine which returning pitchers could become part of the 2027 staff.