Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley was designated for assignment as roster juggling intensified with catcher Tyler Stephenson’s thumb flare-up and a compact bench. Cincinnati recalled Connor Phillips and Will Benson from Triple-A Louisville and optioned left-hander Joe La Sorsa to Triple-A, as Terry Francona cited the need to maximize playing time and avoid a two-man bench with Stephenson sidelined. Fraley, 30, has slashed .232 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 67 games, and his DFA comes despite solid fan support. Stephenson reaggravated a left-thumb issue in the Pittsburgh series and is day-to-day, with Jose Trevino starting Sunday. Cincinnati, which has not been swept in a series this season, dropped the first two against Milwaukee, which has a 14-game win streak, adding another wrinkle to a tense NL Central chase.

Cincinnati designated Jake Fraley for assignment after a knee hyperextension in the 10th that followed an error in left, paired with Tyler Stephenson's left-thumb issue and a squeezed bench. Fraley, 30, had slashed .232 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 67 games this season for Cincinnati. The Reds recalled Connor Phillips and Will Benson from Louisville and optioned left-hander Joe La Sorsa, signaling a shift to give more chances to the outfield depth and a younger arm for the staff. The move comes as Cincinnati weighs lineup protection with Stephenson banged up and seeks practical bench balance, a decision manager Terry Francona described as a sleep-depriving, life-changing call.

In fantasy terms, Fraley’s DFA could clear ABs for Benson and may unlock more playing time for Phillips as a potential sparkplug at the plate, while also injecting fresh bullpen options with La Sorsa out. Cincinnati’s move to lean on the farm and a rising prospect pool while navigating a pennant race indicates a pivot toward upside depth rather than short-term reclamation. With the Brewers perched first in the division, the Reds’ reshuffle matters for daily fantasy and DFS rosters as the club aims to maximize available talents and bridge through a tight schedule.

Andrew Kittredge, the newly acquired reliever for the Chicago Cubs, made headlines with an impressive feat during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. After a rocky previous outing, where he gave up four earned runs, Kittredge bounced back remarkably by achieving an immaculate inning. This rare accomplishment involved striking out three batters—Austin Hays, Gavin Lux, and Tyler Stephenson—on just nine pitches, marking the sixth immaculate inning in Cubs history. The rarity of immaculate innings, with only 120 recorded in MLB history, showcases Kittredge's resilience and skill.

Despite the earlier struggles, the Cubs' booth celebrated Kittredge's ability to turn around his performance, leading to the moment that caught even catcher Carson Kelly by surprise. As Kittredge struck out the side, it was only after the ninth pitch that Kelly realized they had witnessed something special. Immaculate innings have been on the rise in recent years, indicating a changing dynamic in the game. Kittredge's achievement not only highlights his talent but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball.

The Cincinnati Reds expressed frustration not just over their 4-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves during the Speedway Classic, but over how the rain delays impacted their strategy and player availability. Starting pitcher Chase Burns was sidelined due to weather interruptions, forcing the Reds into a bullpen game and consuming five relievers to cover eight innings. Veteran catcher Tyler Stephenson voiced concerns about the decision to start the game given the rain forecast, indicating the situation could have been managed better, especially considering the playoff implications for a team that has not reached the postseason since 2013.

While some players were disheartened, others like manager Terry Francona remained focused on the immediate task ahead, emphasizing that the team must move past the loss. This incident raises questions about MLB's scheduling decisions and the need for better weather management to avoid similar situations in critical games.

On August 2, the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves are set to make MLB history by playing the first-ever game at a NASCAR track, Bristol Motor Speedway. The event will showcase custom uniforms inspired by racing, including checkered flags and bold numbers reminiscent of NASCAR drivers. The Reds will sport white jerseys, while the Braves have designed jerseys featuring hot rod-style flames. Additionally, Rawlings has created unique batting helmets modeled after racing helmets for this occasion.

The game will count as a home game for the Reds, with preceding matches scheduled at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park. Following the baseball event, the speedway will host NASCAR's Bristol Night Race on September 13. The day will also feature a concert from famous artists including Tim McGraw and Jake Owen, and fans will have a chance to engage with the Commissioner's Trophy, making it an unforgettable experience.