Shohei Ohtani's clutch double leads Dodgers past Reds 5-2 on July 29, 2025, as Yoshinobu Yamamoto shines. Read how LA also traded Gavin Lux to Cincy.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of dual victories for the Los Angeles Dodgers. On the field, they methodically dismantled the Cincinnati Reds 5-2, thanks to another clutch hit from Shohei Ohtani and a gem from Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Off the field, the front office made a significant move, trading former top prospect Gavin Lux *to the Reds*, acquiring a promising young outfielder and a valuable draft pick in a deal that signals a clear focus on both the present and the future.
Shohei Ohtani extended his hitting streak to 11 games and now has 38 home runs and 73 RBIs on the season.
The game itself was a classic Dodgers performance. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was masterful, carving through the Reds' lineup for seven innings while allowing just a single run and striking out eight. The offense waited for its moment, and it came in the seventh. With the game tight at 1-1, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani drew back-to-back walks to set the table. Ohtani then broke the game open with a ringing two-run double, giving the Dodgers a lead they wouldn't relinquish. RBI singles from Teoscar Hernández and Freddie Freeman provided the insurance, sealing the 62nd win of the season and keeping a firm grip on the NL West.
The pre-game buzz was all about the surprising trade that sent infielder Gavin Lux to the very team the Dodgers were about to play. It marks the end of a long, and often complicated, tenure for Lux in Los Angeles. Once the heir apparent at shortstop, injuries and inconsistent playing time left him on the outside looking in on a crowded infield. The move to Cincinnati offers him a much-needed fresh start. In return, the Dodgers added significant future assets: minor league outfielder Mike Sirota and the Reds' competitive balance pick A in next year's draft. It's a classic Andrew Friedman move, turning a player without a clear role into future potential.
So, who did the Dodgers get for Lux? Mike Sirota, 22, is an intriguing outfield prospect who immediately adds depth to the farm system. Playing at Double-A Chattanooga for the Reds, he's known for his excellent plate discipline, on-base skills, and plus speed. He's not a power-hitter, but his profile fits the Dodgers' mold of finding players who control the strike zone. He's expected to report to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, where fans will get a close look at one of the newest pieces of the Dodgers' future.
What a Tuesday. The Dodgers proved they can win in multiple ways—on the diamond with dominant pitching and timely hitting, and in the front office with shrewd asset management. As they continue their series in Cincinnati, the team is firing on all cylinders. The Lux trade opens up a roster spot and adds future flexibility, reminding everyone that even while leading the division, this front office is always looking several moves ahead.
