Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona kicked off the weekend series against the Tampa Bay Rays with some lighthearted mischief aimed at an old friend. Before a pitch was even thrown at Great American Ball Park, Francona had the Reds scoreboard air a loop of Rays manager Kevin Cash striking out—an amusing nod to their long-standing relationship dating back to their Cleveland days, where Cash served as Francona’s bench coach.
The comedic moment added some flair to a critical series between two Wild Card contenders, both entering the matchup with identical records. While Francona was delivering laughs, the Reds front office was staying serious, announcing a fresh round of minor league promotions.
Headlining the moves is Tyson Lewis, the club’s No. 7 prospect, who earned a promotion to Low-A Daytona after an electric performance in the Arizona Complex League. The 2024 second-rounder posted a .340 average with six homers, five triples, and 19 steals, showcasing elite athleticism and offensive potential.
Cincinnati also elevated No. 17 prospect Arnaldo Lantigua—who has launched 10 home runs this season—and catcher Dayne Leonard, who’s hitting .395 in limited action. The flurry of promotions signals the Reds’ commitment to developing talent while staying competitive in the present.
The Rays, meanwhile, have been active on the roster front as well. Left-hander Mason Montgomery has been recalled to reinforce a reshuffled bullpen after starter Taj Bradley was optioned to Triple-A. Though Montgomery’s 5.74 ERA isn’t pretty, his elite velocity and swing-and-miss stuff keep him in the Rays’ plans for high-leverage innings.
Trade rumors are swirling around both clubs, especially the Reds, who are reportedly interested in reuniting with former slugger Eugenio Suárez. The Diamondbacks power hitter has crushed 36 homers this year and could provide the right-handed thump Cincinnati needs. However, any deal is said to be a “long shot,” with Arizona reportedly targeting Reds pitching prospect Chase Petty as a return piece.
As the deadline approaches, both teams are navigating the delicate balance between staying loose and staying locked in. Francona may have taken the early lead in the friendly feud with Cash—but if Tampa Bay heats up, the scoreboard joke might not be the last word.
