Reds’ Eugenio Suarez takes step forward amid injury recovery

The Cincinnati Reds placed Eugenio Suarez on the 10-day IL on April 25 due to a low-grade oblique strain injury. While his eventual return is nearing, the latest update regarding Suarez’s status indicates he is making necessary progress.

Reports indicate that the 34-year-old third baseman participated in batting practice on the field for the first time since being placed on the IL, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19 Cincinnati. An official return date is not yet known, but Suarez seems to be on the right path in his recovery.

“Eugenio Suarez is taking batting practice on the field,” reported Goldsmith. “First time I’ve seen that since he went on the IL with an oblique injury.”

The 13-year veteran played 25 games for the Reds before sustaining the injury during batting practice before the club’s 9-8 win over the Detroit Tigers on April 24. Suarez owns a .231 batting average and .300 OBP while recording 21 hits, three home runs, and 11 RBIs through 91 at-bats so far this season.

Cincinnati has relied on Ke’Bryan Hayes to play the third baseman role this season, with rookie Sal Stewart playing the position sporadically as well. While Suarez typically serves as the Reds’ designated hitter, manager Terry Francona has rotated Nathaniel Lowe, Sal Stewart, and Spencer Steer in that spot for the time being.

Eugenio Suarez’s return will be a nice boost to the team’s batting order. Although the Reds are in last place in the NL Central, the team owns a 23-21 winning record and is just 5.0 games behind the first-placed Chicago Cubs. Getting Suarez’s power in the lineup once again could generate the offense the team needs to string together more wins.

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