Reds fall to Dodgers 5-2 on July 29 as Shohei Ohtani homers. With Elly De La Cruz's speed not enough, the loss raises questions before the MLB trade deadline.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
A tough 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at home Tuesday night felt like more than just a single game. As the Reds fell to 56-51 and the gap behind the division-leading Brewers widened to 7.5 games, the bigger story loomed in the background: the July 31st trade deadline. With just two days left to make a move, the loss amplified the question on every fan's mind: is help on the way?
Reds pitching prospect Chase Burns was ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect in all of baseball in MLB Pipeline's July 2025 Top 100 update.
The series opener against the Dodgers was a classic case of a good team capitalizing on its opportunities. Los Angeles jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, punctuated by Shohei Ohtani's 38th home run of the season. Reds starter Nick Lodolo battled but was ultimately tagged for four runs over 5.2 innings. The Cincinnati offense couldn't muster enough firepower, scratching across just two runs despite a few bright moments, leaving the team searching for answers against elite competition.
Even in a loss, the Reds' dynamic young core provided sparks. Elly De La Cruz showcased his game-changing speed again, swiping his 29th base of the season with a slick delayed steal in the third inning. While Elly's impact is felt now, the biggest news of the day came from the farm. Pitching phenom Chase Burns was officially named the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline. With a blazing fastball and advanced secondary pitches, Burns' rapid ascent offers a tantalizing glimpse of a future ace and a potential late-season reinforcement.
As the final hours before the deadline tick away, the Reds' front office remains quiet. While rumors of potential bullpen upgrades have swirled, no transactions were made on Tuesday. The loss to the Dodgers highlights the team's needs, putting pressure on management to decide on a direction. Do they make a move to bolster the roster for a playoff push, or do they stand pat, trusting the current squad and the promise of prospects like Burns? It's the multi-million dollar question that will define the rest of the season.
It was a day of mixed emotions for Reds Country. A frustrating loss to a powerhouse team was softened by the electrifying potential of the future. But with the clock ticking towards 4 PM on July 31st, the present is what matters most. The next 48 hours, both on the field against the Dodgers and in the front office, will be critical in defining the trajectory of the 2025 Cincinnati Reds.
