Before the Reds and Rays took the field at Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati manager Terry Francona playfully took a shot at his longtime friend. True to “Tito” form, the Reds’ scoreboard aired a clip of Rays manager Kevin Cash striking out—a bit of lighthearted trolling to kick off the weekend series.
The gesture reflects the deep friendship between Francona and Cash, which began during their time together in Cleveland, where Cash was Francona’s bench coach before taking over in Tampa Bay. Now, with both teams fighting for a Wild Card spot, Francona is leaning into the humor.
But it’s not all games for the Reds—they’re making significant player moves as well. Cincinnati announced a series of promotions within its minor league system, most notably No. 7 prospect Tyson Lewis, who’s been moved up to Low-A Daytona. The 2024 second-rounder tore up the Arizona Complex League, hitting .340 with six home runs, five triples, and 19 stolen bases, showcasing both power and speed.
Joining him on the move are No. 17 prospect Arnaldo Lantigua and catcher Dayne Leonard. Lantigua, a power-hitting 19-year-old acquired from the Dodgers, has hit 10 home runs with a .519 slugging percentage. Leonard, who joined on a Minor League deal this past offseason, has been on fire in the ACL with a .395 batting average and will add catching depth.
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Tampa Bay, meanwhile, made a roster move of its own. Left-hander Mason Montgomery has been recalled from Triple-A Durham to bolster a struggling bullpen after Taj Bradley was optioned following recent poor performances. Despite a 5.74 ERA this season, Montgomery’s fastball velocity and strikeout metrics remain elite, keeping him in the late-inning conversation.
Trade rumors are also swirling. The Reds are reportedly among the teams eyeing a potential reunion with slugger Eugenio Suárez, who has crushed 36 homers this year and owns a .938 OPS over the past 12 months—ranking just behind the likes of Ohtani, Judge, and Guerrero Jr. With Cincinnati seeking a right-handed bat to strengthen their lineup against lefties, Suárez is on their radar, though a deal is seen as unlikely, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
The Diamondbacks, expected to be sellers at the deadline, are reportedly interested in Reds pitching prospect Chase Petty as part of a potential return. Petty, Cincinnati’s No. 5 prospect, has shown flashes of potential despite struggles in early big league outings, highlighted by a lively mid-90s fastball.
As the deadline approaches, both teams are mixing levity with determination. Francona may have scored a win on the scoreboard prank, but if the Rays catch fire, Cash could end up with the last laugh.
