Jeimer Candelario has had an eventful season, to say the least. The Cincinnati Reds’ marquee free-agent signing for this offseason started off on the wrong foot, leading to an uproar from fans who were ready to see him cut from the roster. However, a back injury sidelined him and landed him on the injured list since late April. As the Reds’ offense struggled without him, it might not be too surprising if some fans found themselves wishing for Candelario’s return.
Recent developments suggest he could be nearing a comeback. After a stint of rehabilitation at the Reds’ training complex in Goodyear, Candelario had his rehab assignment shifted to Triple-A Louisville. In his first game back, he joined the Louisville Bats’ lineup and managed to go 1-for-4, driving in a run with a double. One can only imagine how much the Reds have missed that potential in their lineup during his absence.
Candelario will likely take about another week with the Bats before the Reds consider activating him from the IL. Adding to the encouraging news for Cincinnati, both Christian Encarnacion-Strand and outfielder Austin Hays are also progressing in their rehab. Hays could make his return to action as soon as this weekend, adding to the optimism among Reds fans.
Meanwhile, as the Reds look to bolster their lineup, another fan favorite is making headlines. Eugenio Suárez, now with the Arizona Diamondbacks, will be making his return to Great American Ball Park this Friday. Suárez was a beloved player during his time with Cincinnati, and his memorable 2019 season still resonates with the fan base—he posted a remarkable .271 batting average along with 49 home runs and 103 RBIs. His 48th home run that year set a record, marking the highest single-season home run total for a Venezuelan-born player.
Currently, Suárez is enjoying another strong season with the D-backs, contributing solid numbers of .232/.311/.504 with 16 home runs and 46 RBIs. As he enters the final year of his six-year contract with the Reds, questions about his future loom large, but no doubt fans will be eager to welcome him back on Friday night.
In other news, the Reds also saw former player Justin Dunn sign a minor-league deal with the Kansas City Royals. Dunn, part of the trade that sent Suárez to Seattle, hasn’t been seen on a big-league mound since his 2022 outings with Cincinnati. Injuries have hindered his career, and he made just seven appearances during that season, posting a 6.10 ERA.
In retrospect, the trade seems less favorable for both teams involved. Suárez had a brief stint in Seattle before moving to the D-backs, while Jesse Winker struggled during his time in Seattle, ultimately being dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023. As for the Reds, the outcomes of that trade have not been kind; Dunn is now off the roster, Jake Fraley is just a marginal contributor, Brandon Williamson is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Connor Phillips has been grappling with command issues. Sometimes trades work out perfectly for everyone, but this particular transaction feels like a misstep for both sides.
As fans watch the Reds navigate their up-and-down season, one can’t help but wonder about those pivotal moments that shape a franchise’s future. With Candelario and the roster adjustments underway, Cincinnati’s road ahead may still have plenty of excitement.
