Reds fall to Dodgers 5-2 on July 28, 2025, snapping their streak. As Chase Burns falters and Elly De La Cruz shines, what will the Reds do at the trade deadline?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
A four-game winning streak feels great until you run into a buzzsaw like the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Reds found that out the hard way on Monday night, falling 5-2 in the series opener at Great American Ball Park. The loss was more than just a single game; it was a stark reminder of the gap between contender and champion, coming at the worst possible time with the July 31 trade deadline just days away and the front office at a critical crossroads.
The loss dropped Cincinnati to 56-51 on the season, leaving them 6.5 games back in the NL Central with critical decisions looming.
The game had a tough-luck feel from the start. Reds rookie Chase Burns, making just his third big-league start, was thrown into the fire against Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The powerful LA lineup, spearheaded by Shohei Ohtani, proved to be too much for the youngster, as Burns (0-2) allowed several early runs. While the Reds' bullpen held the line, the offense couldn't muster a comeback. Elly De La Cruz continued his hot hitting with a multi-hit game, but the team struggled to get the big hit with runners in scoring position, a familiar and frustrating theme.
Monday's loss puts President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall in a difficult spot. With the team still in postseason contention, does he buy to reinforce the squad or sell to build for the future? The needs are clear: a consistent, run-producing right fielder and more bullpen stability would go a long way. However, if the front office decides the gap is too wide, valuable pieces in contract years like Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagán, and Austin Hays could be on the move before Thursday's deadline. It's a high-stakes waiting game.
The rotation's health is a major factor in the deadline calculus. While All-Star Andrew Abbott and a resurgent Nick Lodolo have been anchors, the continued absence of Hunter Greene looms large. A recent setback in his recovery from a groin strain has left his return timetable uncertain. Without their top flamethrower, the pitching staff lacks the depth needed for a serious October run, making any decision to acquire talent even more complex.
While questions swirl around the big-league club, the future got a little closer on Monday. Top prospect Sal Stewart, the organization's No. 3 prospect, earned a promotion to Triple-A Louisville. After tearing up Double-A pitching to the tune of a .306 average and an .850 OPS, the third baseman is now just one call away from Cincinnati. His bat could be the internal reinforcement the team needs in the second half, potentially influencing Krall's trade strategy.
The next 72 hours will define the Cincinnati Reds' 2025 season. With the trade deadline looming on July 31, every pitch and every at-bat carries immense weight. Will Nick Krall pull the trigger on a deal to bolster the roster for a playoff push, or will the team sell off assets and look toward 2026? Under Terry Francona's steady hand, this team has shown flashes of brilliance, but now is the time for a decision. The path forward will be chosen this week, one way or another.
