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.