Reds vs Guardians

Williamson made it through just three innings before coming out of Wednesday's game, giving up four earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four batters. It's unknown whether his shoulder will force him to move to the IL, though the Reds may offer more information after they take a closer look at him.

Ferguson threw 16 pitches (12 strikes) as a game opener in his second rehab appearance for the Lookouts. The Reds are expected to have the left-hander throw at least two more games for Triple-A Louisville, MLB.com reports.

The hope is that Suarez will improve enough in the coming days before getting re-imaged during the Reds' May 1-7 road trip. He would then be able to ramp up baseball activities if the scans yield favorable results. Suarez is eligible for activation from the 10-day injured list Saturday, but it's looking like he won't return until at least mid-May. Nathaniel Lowe will continue to serve as the Reds' primary designated hitter while Suarez is sidelined.

The right-hander underwent surgery on his right elbow in mid-March to remove bone chips, and he moved to the 60-day injured list shortly thereafter. Greene will be eligible to be reinstated in late May but is expected to be out for most of the season's first half. A clearer return timeline should come into focus once he advances to mound work.

Lodolo -- who has been on the shelf all season due to a blister on his left index finger -- made the third and final start of his rehab assignment Saturday, striking out six batters and allowing two earned runs on five hits and two walks over 4.1 innings for Triple-A Louisville. The left-hander built up to 79 pitches in the outing, so he should be ready to handle a fairly normal workload next weekend in what would be his 2026 debut for the Reds. Before the Reds lock Lodolo into their upcoming pitching schedule, he'll likely need to complete a bullpen session Monday or Tuesday without incident.

Cincinnati closer Emilio Pagan was unable to lock down the win in the ninth, necessitating Ashcraft's appearance in the extra frame. His final pitch was originally called a ball but was overturned on an ABS challenge for strike three and earned the reliever his first career save. Ashcraft, who has a 1.50 ERA with 14 strikeouts and six holds over 12 innings, is a key component of what has been MLB's best bullpen in terms of ERA (2.31 over 85.2 innings).

The 34-year-old will step away from the team for a few days for personal reasons. Johnson could rejoin the Reds toward the end of the upcoming road series versus the Cubs, which ends Thursday.

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After allowing a home run in his initial appearance this season, Armstrong hasn't allowed a run in four consecutive outings (3.2 innings). The right-hander has allowed five base runners during the scoreless streak but has managed to work around the traffic and recorded three holds thus far in 2026.