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Eugenio Suarez made more progress in his return from an oblique strain.

The Cincinnati Reds anxiously await the return of All-Star slugger Eugenio Suarez. Suarez has been out since April 25, with his stint on the 10-day injured list backdated to April 23.

Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19 Cincinnati reported the latest update on the Reds’ injured slugger. According to manager Terry Francona, Suarez’s injured oblique is feeling 50% better and took 50 swings on May 7. The next step is to rest it for the next few days, given how important that muscle is for a hitter.

The Reds signed Suarez to a $15 million deal in free agency to provide a run-producer in the middle of their lineup. The 34-year-old is off to a slow start in 2026, slashing .231/.300/.363 with three home runs in 25 games.

The Reds didn’t specify the grade of the oblique strain when they placed Suarez on the injured list. A Grade 1 strain is a four-week injury, while a Grade 2 is closer to eight.

Nathaniel Lowe Steps Up in Eugenio Suarez’s Absence

Without Suarez, the Reds have turned to Nathaniel Lowe as their primary designated hitter. Lowe has provided a spark in the middle of Cincinnati’s lineup, slashing .270/.349/.581 with six home runs and a 151 wRC+.

The quality of contact metrics suggests that the 30-year-old’s production to begin the season isn’t a fluke. Lowe is producing a 15.1% barrel rate and a .397 expected weight on-base average, which rank in the 86th and 94th percentile among hitters.

When Suarez comes off the injured list, the Reds face a situation of who plays where. Rookie first baseman Sal Stewart has looked solid in his first extended action, producing a .245/.333/.497 slash and a 123 wRC+. With Stewart and Lowe solidifying first base and DH, that could mean a return to third base for Suarez.

It’s unlikely the Reds move on from the veteran infielder, despite some concerning Statcast metrics. Suarez has a reputable track record of being a power source, with 79 homers between 2024 and 2025.

Reds Rotation Takes Another Hit with Rhett Lowder Injury Concern

The Reds took another injury hit with their rotation. While they welcome back left-hander Nick Lodolo, who dealt with a blister on his left index finger, they could lose another starter. Rhett Lowder exited his start on May 7 in the fourth inning with a shoulder issue.

Francona told reporters that they’ll proceed with caution regarding the young starter, and a stint on the 15-day injured list isn’t set yet. The Reds manager noted that Lowder only feels pain in games. Goldsmith reports that the right-hander received an injection in the AC joint of his right shoulder.

Should Lowder require an IL stint, that could affect the Reds’ rotation plans. Chase Petty, one of the team’s top pitching prospects, was optioned on May 6. His next start is scheduled for May 10, according to Francona, which doesn’t align with Lowder’s next projected start on May 14. With the off day on

Injuries have been piling up for the Reds, who have lost seven straight after a 20-11 start. Staff ace Hunter Greene went down with an elbow problem in March and won’t be back until July at the earliest. Closer Emilio Pagan is out four to eight weeks with a hamstring strain. Left-hander Brandon Williamson is on the 60-day injured list with shoulder fatigue.

As of May 8, they are down possibly three starters, their closer, and a middle-of-the-order bat. They currently occupy last place in a National League Central division where all five teams are carrying a winning record. The Reds hope they can weather the injury storm until they can get healthy in their rotation and bullpen, then make a run at a postseason spot like last season.