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Every game counts just the same at the end of the season, but the Cincinnati Reds have an easy schedule in April and a murder's row in September.

TJ Friedl and Spencer Steer have gotten off to rocky starts in 2026. Not only are their bats cold, but their defense has been questionable too.

The Reds begin their first road series of the 2026 season against the Texas Rangers and Matt McLain will bat leadoff despite his early-season struggles.

The Reds fanbase has seen Rece Hinds get off a red-hot start with the Louisville Bats, but Blake Dunn and JJ Bleday's opening week in Triple-A can't be ignored.

Nick Lodolo exited his rehab start sooner than planned, and now the Cincinnati Reds rotation will have to function without him for a little while longer.

TJ Friedl is the Cincinnati Reds' starting center fielder, though perhaps only ostensibly. Is a permanent move to left field in the cards for the veteran?

Reds infielder Sal Stewart was the leader in the clubhouse for NL Rookie of the Year, but Konnor Griffin is set to join the Pirates roster.

Matt McLain was the Cincinnati Reds' best hitter during spring training, but it hasn't translated to the regular season.

The Cincinnati Reds might find themselves better served by benching Ke'Bryan Hayes if he doesn't show that he can hit at least a little bit soon.

The Cincinnati Reds don't have too many top-tier players locked into long-term deals. Sal Stewart is reportedly amenable to such a contract.