Cincinnati Reds

Santiago Espinal is out of the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Espinal scored one run on Wednesday against Arizona. Jeimer Candelario is back at third base on Thursday.

Will Benson is back in the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Benson is back in left field and hitting No. 8 in the lineup. He has hit four home runs and stolen seven bases so far this season.

Mike Ford is in the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Ford recently re-signed with the Reds shortly after he was released. He is serving as the designated hitter and hitting No. 6 in the lineup.

Tyler Stephenson is out of the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Stephenson gets the day off on Thursday. He collected two hits and scored a run on Wednesday. Luke Maile is starting behind the plate for the Reds.

Stuart Fairchild is not in the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Fairchild collected one hit and one RBI in Wednesday's loss against Arizona. He is hitting .186 so far on the season in a limited role.

Jake Fraley is in the Reds lineup on Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Fraley is back in right field and hitting cleanup in the lineup. He is hitting .294 on the season with five stolen bases.

Graham Ashcraft took the loss Wednesday, yielding three earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out only two over five innings against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: This outing nudged his ERA up slightly to 3.86 and his WHIP to 1.34 for the season, reflecting a performance that might worry fantasy managers relying on him for better strikeout numbers and deeper outings. His K/9 rate of 7.3 this season continues to be less than stellar, and his FIP of 4.27 suggests some underlying issues that could lead to more rough starts. Fantasy managers should monitor Ashcraft's next few outings closely, as his ability to control games and limit damage will be critical in determining his viability as a consistent fantasy starter.

Elly De La Cruz went 0-for-4 in the Reds' 4-3 loss to the Diamondbacks, but he did manage to steal two bases.

Fantasy Impact: Despite failing to contribute offensively with hits or RBIs, De La Cruz's ability to swipe bases continued to stand out, adding two more to his impressive season tally of 21. His performance this season, characterized by a .254 batting average and significant power-speed combination (8 HRs and 21 SBs), suggests he remains a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, especially for those in need of stolen bases. However, his high strikeout rate (.329) continues to be a concern, potentially limiting his batting average upside. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his strikeout and walk rates to gauge potential improvements in plate discipline.

The Reds transferred Brandon Williamson to the 60-day injured list. (Source: Gordon Wittenmyer on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The move was made to make room on the 40-man roster. He suffered a shoulder injury during spring training.

The Reds placed Christian Encarnacion-Strand on the injured list. (Source: Gordon Wittenmyer on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Encarnacion-Strand fractured his wrist after getting hit by a pitch. The Reds describe CES injury as "right ulnar styloid fracture." He will miss some time as a result.

Luke Maile is in the Reds lineup on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: Maile is serving as the Reds designated hitter and hitting No. 9 in the lineup. He is hitting .146 with one home run so far this season.

Frankie Montas delivered a solid performance, allowing just one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out seven over six innings in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: This was certainly a strong return from the IL for Montas. His season-long stats now reflect a mixed bag with a 3.55 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP through six starts. His 7.5 K/9 and 4.44 FIP suggest some volatility, but his performance against Arizona demonstrates his potential to dominate on the mound at times.

Jeimer Candelario is back in the Reds lineup on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact: Candelario was scratched from Sunday's game, but returns to the lineup on Tuesday.

The Reds have optioned Bubba Thompson to Double-A Chattanooga. (Source: Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The 25-year-old struggled at the plate this season, hitting just .111 in 17 games. He will look to refine his swing in the minor leagues.

The Reds have moved Ian Gibaut (forearm) to the 60-day IL. (Source: Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The move does not impact Gibaut’s timeline to return. The Reds needed to free up a roster spot for Conner Capel to join the big league roster.

The Reds have optioned Nick Martini to Triple-A Louisville. (Source: Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Martini carried a .177 batting average, three home runs, and 15 RBI in 29 games with the Reds this season. He will look to refine his swing in Triple-A.

The Reds have selected the contract of Conner Capel from Triple-A Louisville. (Source: Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The 26-year-old has a .268 batting average, seven home runs, 16 RBI, and six stolen bases with Triple-A Louisville. He should serve as a depth outfielder for the Reds.

The Reds have activated TJ Friedl from the 10-day IL. (Source: Reds on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Friedl returns after missing time with a wrist injury. Fantasy managers should expect Friedl to serve as the everyday starting center fielder for the Reds.

Alexis Diaz allowed two hits, two walks, and four earned runs in the Reds’ 11-1 loss to the Orioles.

Fantasy Impact: Diaz entered the game to get some work after last appearing on April 29. Unfortunately he had a very rough day on the mound and will look to bounce back in his next outing. With a 6.57 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP in 13 games, fantasy managers should avoid Diaz for now.

Nick Lodolo allowed four runs on four hits over five innings with six strikeouts and two walks on Sunday against the Orioles.

Fantasy Impact: Lodolo still had some success with his six strikeouts, but he was hit hard immediately for three runs in the opening frame before he settled in. Lodolo will look to bounce back against the Giants.