Matt McLain, Jose Trevino, Nick Martínez, Brent Suter, and Emilio Pagán from the Reds were spotted at the Cincinnati Bengals' training camp, sharing a moment with coach Zac Taylor. The scene highlighted a rare cross-sport gathering in Cincinnati and underscored the city’s sports culture.

The Reds are closing out their series with the Phillies tonight before welcoming the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers for a weekend set. The cameo occurs as Cincinnati balances a playoff push with high-profile interleague rivalries.

From a fantasy lens, McLain remains the Reds’ rising infield anchor, Trevino adds catching depth and defensive versatility, and Martínez, Suter, and Pagán bolster the pitching staff, potentially shaping late-game usage and multi-inning options. The crossover vibe signals depth-building and veteran presence that could influence daily lineups.

While the Bengals’ practice provided a fun backdrop, the real story for fantasy managers is how these veterans impact depth charts in the next few days. Cincinnati’s roster moves around Phillies and Brewers series should offer actionable signals on who benefits in extra-inning or late-game scenarios.

After a challenging road trip, Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona expressed his apologies to the team for overusing the bullpen, leading to a disappointing 6-0 loss against the Houston Astros. Francona acknowledged the strain on pitchers like Brent Suter and Lyon Richardson, who faced heavy workloads due to short outings from starters Hunter Greene, Brady Singer, and Chase Petty.

He emphasized the team's need for a well-deserved break, reminding them to flush the loss and prepare for their next game. Francona's focus on loyalty and building a strong team dynamics was evident as he refrained from sending down younger players in favor of fresh arms.

Champions Baseball and Softball Academy, a Cincinnati youth sports institution, has faced significant challenges due to recent flooding from the Ohio River, forcing its temporary closure. The devastating impact led to loss of equipment and damage to the facility, with floodwaters reaching two feet inside. Without flood insurance, the academy is appealing for community support through a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising $65,000 to aid in recovery efforts.

Founded in 2002, Champions Academy is noted for its extensive programs, including lessons, camps, and leagues for aspiring young athletes. Alumni include current and former MLB players from the Cincinnati Reds, highlighting the academy's influential role in local sports development. The community response has been encouraging, with offers of volunteer support pouring in to assist with the recovery process.

The MLB Players Association has announced its leadership for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt taking on a key role as one of the two Player Representatives.

He joins Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien, who retains his position. Other new appointments include Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes and San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth as alternate representatives.

Bassitt, entering his 12th MLB season, has had a notable career, including a strong performance in 2023, and is now poised to influence the players' union significantly.