Locked On Reds - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds’ face mounting doubters for 2026 season. With the Reds pitching staff hitting crisis mode—can Chase Burns become the ace sooner than expected? Former Reds  reliever Mike Stanton joins Jeff and Steve to break down the team’s pitching turmoil, from Tony Santillan’s alarming slump to the relentless grind facing the bullpen. With major injuries and a depleted rotation, the spotlight is on young arms like Burns, while questions swirl about command, confidence, and the challenges of pitching in Great American Ball Park.

The crew spotlights season-defining issues: negative run differential, bullpen instabilit...

Cincinnati Reds clobber Washington Nationals 15-1 as Elly De La Cruz’s hot streak electrifies fans. Can the Reds finally find consistency behind their emerging stars and dominant pitching?

Tim Daniel recaps the Reds’ explosive offensive showcase, spotlighting J.J. Bleday’s two home runs and Chase Burns’ ace-level performance on the mound. Key discussions include the team’s identity struggles, the resurgence of Matt McLain, bullpen depth, and lineup tweaks that could signal a turning point. With Elly De La Cruz notching his sixth straight multi-hit game and the Reds preparing for the Ohio Cup showdown against th...

Cincinnati Reds’ season is wavering as the team drops 10 of 12 games, hounded by pitching woes and offensive slumps. With Elly De La Cruz blazing but left stranded by lack of lineup support, is Terry Francona’s latest batting order shakeup enough to ignite a turnaround? Meanwhile, Nick Lodolo’s struggles, Tony Santillan’s brutal run, and a bullpen collapsing under wild walks put the Reds’ pitching depth to the ultimate test.

Steven Offenbaker and Jeff Carr break down the Cincinnati Reds’ latest moves—including the addition of Chris Paddack—and analyze why a promising rotation has unraveled. Ke...

Cincinnati Reds collapse after a 5-0 lead, falling to the Washington Nationals in extra innings. Can this team recover from a disastrous losing streak, or are deeper issues at play?

Tim Daniel breaks down the Reds’ latest heartbreak, spotlighting Tyler Stephenson’s grand slam and Matt McLain’s clutch ninth-inning double as silver linings on an otherwise frustrating night. The discussion digs into the Reds’ persistent pitching woes, questionable bullpen decisions, and a lineup shakeup featuring Elly De La Cruz and Will Benson. With bullpen arms like Tony Santillan under fire and manager Terry Francona trying new strategi...

Cincinnati Reds race to patch up a battered rotation by signing Chris Paddack after a wave of pitching injuries leaves the staff in crisis mode. Can Paddack, fresh off being cut by the Marlins and sporting a 7.63 ERA, stabilize a group that’s lost Rhett Lowder and seen Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott struggle to stay healthy or effective?

Jeff Carr breaks down the urgency behind Nick Krall’s move, what this means for the Reds’ playoff hopes, and why fans once bullish on Cincinnati’s pitching depth now wonder if anyone is safe from...

Cincinnati Reds’ playoff ambitions are on shaky ground as Terry Francona’s loyalty-driven lineup decisions spark controversy. Can the Reds afford to keep running out Ke'Bryan Hayes and TJ Friedl despite their season-long struggles? Jeff and Steve call for bold changes, pushing for Nate Lowe and Dane Myers to get more starts as the team’s on-base percentage woes mount, while questioning Nick Krall’s high-priced signings.

Pitching concerns intensify after another rough outing from Brady Singer, casting doubt on his role in the Reds’ rotation. The discussion spotlights potential reinforcements like Chris Paddack and Eric Lauer...

Cincinnati Reds unravel against the Washington Nationals as the bullpen struggles and the lineup concerns take center stage. Can Terry Francona’s loyalty to slumping players like TJ Friedl and Ke'Bryan Hayes be justified, or are lineup changes on the horizon to salvage the Reds’ season?

Tim Daniel breaks down the Reds’ 10-4 blowout loss, spotlighting JJ Bleday’s late-game production and Nathaniel Lowe’s contributions amidst mounting roster questions. Pitching woes intensify as Connor Phillips and the bullpen falter, raising critical questions about rotation depth and infield defense. Key talking points include the Reds’ ongoing struggles in May, the...

Cincinnati Reds face mounting pitching woes as Chase Petty suffers a blister setback and Rhett Lowder lands on the IL. Is Eric Lauer—recently DFA’d by the Toronto Blue Jays—the stopgap answer Nick Krall needs to call about? Steve and Jeff debate the Reds’ options, from a risky bullpen day to a high-upside trade for Lauer, and break down the true cost and impact compared to AAA names like Davis Daniel.

With a crucial series against the Washington Nationals looming, the focus shifts to Cincinnati’s rotation stability and lineup construction under Terry Francona. C...

Cincinnati Reds snap their losing streak and shake up the NL Central race with a bold lineup change and a crucial series win over the Houston Astros. Terry Francona finally rearranges the batting order—featuring Will Benson, Spencer Steer, and Elly De La Cruz in new roles—while overcoming criticism about being too loyal to slumping hitters. The discussion spotlights De La Cruz’s quiet emergence as an offensive force, explores optimal batting orders using on-base percentage, and debates whether the Reds’ offense can fully ignite.

On the mound, Chase Burns and Andrew Abbott restore faith in...

Cincinnati Reds pick up their second straight win with a dominant 5-0 shutout over the Houston Astros. Has Andrew Abbott rediscovered his All-Star form just in time to spark a Reds turnaround?

Tim Daniel breaks down the Reds' emphatic series win at Great American Ball Park, spotlighting Andrew Abbott’s six innings of shutout baseball and big days at the plate from Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer. The episode highlights key lineup changes, standout bullpen performances from TJ Antone and Sam Moll, and discusses how shutting down sluggers like Yordan Alvarez signals a resurgent Reds sq...

Cincinnati Reds snap eight-game skid with gritty 3-1 win over Houston Astros—has the momentum finally shifted at Great American Ball Park?

Tim Daniel breaks down the Reds’ much-needed victory, spotlighting Chase Burns’ commanding six-inning start and clutch bullpen performances from Brock Burke, Graham Ashcraft, and Pierce Johnson. Matt McLain emerges as the X factor, delivering a pivotal two-RBI double while the defense and lineup show renewed energy. Key highlights include Will Benson’s plate discipline, Sal Stewart’s timely hit, and how the Reds neutralized Astros sluggers Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez.

Can this resilient...

Cincinnati Reds’ woes deepen as Houston Astros shut them out 10-0, extending the Reds’ losing streak to eight games. Can Nick Lodolo’s return to the mound spark a turnaround, or is this slump here to stay? Lifelong Reds fan Tim Daniel delivers a candid reaction, spotlighting Jordan Alvarez’s powerful home run, Mike Burrows’ dominant start, and an offense that failed to capitalize with bases loaded.

Key analysis focuses on Lodolo’s performance, Elly De La Cruz’s bright spots, and concerns about the team’s morale as both offense and defense struggle. Tim Daniel examines whether upcoming...

Cincinnati Reds hit rock bottom—can Nicola Dolo's return and a bold call-up turn things around? Jeff Carr and Stephen Offenbaker break down the Reds’ dramatic slide from first place to the NL Central cellar, exposing a bullpen beset by control issues, key injuries to Hunter Greene and Rhett Lowder, and lineup woes like Ke'Bryan Hayes’ ongoing struggles at third base and Tyler Stephenson’s lackluster production at the plate.

As the club weighs calling up Edwin Arroyo and debates replacing Hayes, the hosts tackle management decisions by Terry Francona, the impact of José Trevino’s miscues, and the lat...

Cincinnati Reds’ brutal road trip ends with an 8-3 sweep by the Chicago Cubs—has the club hit rock bottom or is a turnaround coming at Great American Ball Park? Tim Daniel breaks down the Reds’ collapse, from a perfect storm of bullpen struggles and missed opportunities with runners in scoring position, to more devastating injuries for pitchers Rhett Lowder and Emilio Pagán. Key young names like Blake Dunn and Sal Stewart provide glimmers of hope, but can the team recover after falling from first to last in under a week?

The episode spotlights Nick Lodolo’s much-an...

Cincinnati Reds make unfortunate MLB history with their fourth consecutive walk-off loss, exposing deep bullpen concerns and a team running low on confidence. Can Terry Francona and Nick Krall find a fix before the season slips further away? Steven Offenbaker and Tim Daniel break down the late-inning collapses, highlight the struggles of arms like Graham Ashcraft and Connor Phillips and question key decisions as walk-offs keep piling up. Key topics include Matt McLain’s offensive progress, the long-awaited return of TJ Antone after his third Tommy John surgery, and whether Rhett Louder can steady the ship against the Chicago Cubs. Is...

Cincinnati Reds suffer another heartbreaking defeat as the Chicago Cubs rally for a dramatic 7-6 win, exposing glaring issues in the Reds bullpen. With leads slipping away late and frustration mounting, questions grow louder—can Cincinnati break the cycle and find a way to close out tight games?

Tim Daniel breaks down Brady Singer’s gritty start, Matt McLain’s offensive spark, and Tejay Antone’s inspiring return after a third Tommy John surgery. Key discussion points include Spencer Steer’s continued power, Will Benson’s multi-hit effort, and the impact of rare stats like Elly De La Cruz’s tw...

Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen disaster exposes roster flaws as another NL Central loss sparks panic. Can Andrew Abbott’s turnaround and surging bats like JJ Bleday and Nathaniel Lowe offset defensive blunders and glaring holes? Steven Offenbaker and Tim Daniel break down TJ Friedl’s costly outfield drop, Matt McLain and Ke'Bryan Hayes’ extended slumps, and a crushing walk-off after Emilio Pagán’s likely season-ending injury. The debate intensifies over the Reds’ reliance on hope over proven upgrades, the urgent need for bullpen reinforcements, and whether Nick Krall’s patience will sink Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. With fierce division rivals ahead, the spotli...

Cincinnati Reds collapse in extras as Chicago Cubs rally late—can the Reds rebound before the division race slips away?

Tim Daniel breaks down the Reds’ painful 3-2 loss in extra innings, spotlighting Andrew Abbott’s stellar outing, an early surge with homers from JJ Bl and Nathan Low, and the critical misplays that turned a two-run lead into a fifth straight defeat. Analysis focuses on the impact of the ghost runner rule, frustration over Tony San’s blown save, and a gut-wrenching injury to Emilio Pagan that leaves the bullpen thin.

Key discussion points include...

Cincinnati Reds bullpen issues hit a boiling point as Emilio Pagán blows another save, sparking calls for a major shakeup. Is Tony Santillan ready to anchor the closer role, or will the Reds’ relievers continue to unravel their playoff hopes? Steven Offenbaker spotlights Chase Petty’s promising emergency start, the looming returns of Nick Lodolo and Caleb Ferguson, and why Andrew Abbott must deliver a shutdown outing to rescue the beleaguered pitching staff. The Reds’ outfield situation remains a glaring weakness, despite power surges from JJ Bleday and a shakeup that saw Blake Dunn replace Rece Hinds. With Will Benson’...

Emilio Pagan’s blown save sparks fury as the Cincinnati Reds collapse 5-4 to the Chicago Cubs—can the bullpen be trusted moving forward? Tim Daniel breaks down the late-inning heartbreak at Wrigley Field, blasting Pagan’s continued usage in high-leverage situations and questioning if David Bell’s decisions are holding the team back. With the Reds now on a four-game losing streak during a pivotal road trip, is it time for a shakeup in the bullpen hierarchy?

Key moments include Chase Petty’s promising return to MLB action, standout performances from Elly De La Cruz and Ke'Bryan H...

Pittsburgh Pirates flip momentum against the Cincinnati Reds with a dominant series sweep, exposing cracks in the Reds’ rotation and sparking urgent questions about Terry Francona’s late-game decisions. As the Pirates’ pitching shines, Chase Burns and Braxton Ashcraft deliver unexpected brilliance on the mound, while Bryan Reynolds torments Reds pitching yet again. Burns' brilliance isn’t enough to offset glaring rotation uncertainties as Rhett Lowder and Brady Singer face growing scrutiny.

Jeff and Locked On Pirates host Gary Morgan break down the Reds’ lineup inconsistencies, Matt McLain’s concerning slump, and the desperate search for a reliabl...

Cincinnati Reds suffer a gut-wrenching sweep as the Pittsburgh Pirates edge them out 1-0. Can the Reds recover from this divisional blowout with the Cubs showdown looming?

Tim Daniel recaps the electric pitching duel between Braxton Ashcraft and Chase Burns, spotlighting stellar performances that left both offenses frozen. The episode dissects key lineup changes—Matt McLain dropping to the ninth spot and JJ Bleday’s impact—alongside controversial eighth-inning decisions that proved costly. With Tony Santillan’s rare stumble and ongoing frustrations about the Reds’ use of the contact play, Tim Daniel questions coaching strategies and the roster swi...

Cincinnati Reds unravel as Pittsburgh Pirates dominate 17-7—can the Reds’ battered pitching staff recover in time? Tim Daniel breaks down the Reds’ lopsided defeat, spotlighting Rhett Lowder’s toughest outing yet and a disastrous stretch of seven consecutive walks that put the game out of reach early. Despite productive bats from Will Benson and J.J. Bleday, including Benson’s home run, Cincinnati’s mound woes overshadow any offensive silver linings.

Key talking points include bullpen struggles, looming injury concerns for Brandon Williamson, Nick Lodolo, and Hunter Greene, and the heated moment involving Chris Devenski and Sal Stewart...

Pittsburgh Pirates dominate Cincinnati Reds as Mitch Keller silences bats—are the Reds’ pitching woes cause for concern?

Tim Daniel and Jeff Carr break down the Reds’ 9-1 defeat, spotlighting Mitch Keller's seven-inning, one-run gem, and the struggles of Brady Singer, whose inconsistency continues to hamper Cincinnati’s rotation. The hosts explore why Pirates sluggers like Brian Reynolds and Henry Davis torched Reds pitching, whether cold Pittsburgh weather or rain delays played a role, and question the lack of punch from Reds hitters outside of TJ Friedl.

Key topics include the Reds' troubling division record against...

Cincinnati Reds win their fifth straight series as Andrew Abbott returns to form and Spencer Steer heats up at the plate. Can this momentum carry them deeper into NL Central contention? Jeff and Steve spotlight Abbott’s bounce-back start, Connor Phillips’ electric (if unpredictable) bullpen outing, and red-hot stretches from Nathaniel Lowe, T.J. Friedl, and Steer that powered Cincinnati’s offense.

Trouble brews at the back end of the bullpen as Emilio Pagán’s struggles raise questions about the closer role, with Tony Santillan making a strong case for promotion. The episode examines potential...

Cincinnati Reds silence Colorado Rockies with Andrew Abbott’s bounce-back quality start and Nate Lowe’s power surge. Are the Reds finally overcoming their getaway day woes as they claim another series win?

Tim Daniel breaks down Andrew Abbott’s six-inning, two-run gem, Spencer Steer’s hot streak at the plate, and key bullpen performances. The impact of Nate Lowe’s recent home run tear is explored, along with the value of Tyler Stephenson’s pitch-calling behind the plate. Hot bats and defensive stars are discussed, and the show looks ahead to the critical series against the Pittsburgh P...

Cincinnati Reds face rotation chaos as Brandon Williamson’s shoulder injury leaves a glaring hole ahead of a crucial NL Central road trip. Can Chase Petty or a recovering Nick Lodolo hold the fort, or will the bullpen be stretched to its limit in Chicago? Jeff questions whether the Reds’ patchwork pitching staff can keep pace as series against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs loom.

Despite a quiet night at the plate, Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz anchor a Reds lineup showing elite barrels and exit velocities—yet lagging behind in luck with ML...

Cincinnati Reds suffer a crushing 13-2 defeat to the Colorado Rockies, raising urgent questions about their pitching depth and resilience. Can the Reds bounce back and reclaim momentum, or are injury woes set to derail their promising season?

Tim Daniel breaks down Brandon Williamson’s struggles and injury setback, questions the reliability of the current rotation, and spotlights Luis May’s electrifying season debut. Key moments include Matt McLain’s encouraging two-hit night, Will Benson’s late homer, and concerns about the bullpen after Jose Franco’s long relief outing. With Andrew Abbott slated to face Michael Lorenzen i...

Elly De La Cruz has officially entered the stratosphere MLB stardom demands. Already looking like an All-Star, the Cincinnati Reds’ switch-hitting sensation is putting up video game numbers. The best part? It’s clear we’re seeing only the beginning of a player destined to be the league's next superstar.

Chase Burns looks like a future ace though that may not be a distant future. The Reds are seeing Burns blossom with key pitches in tough situations. Also, the answer to the outfield problem may very well be Dane Myers.

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Cincinnati Reds dominate the Colorado Rockies as Elly De La Cruz continues his historic tear—can he push the Reds into the National League’s elite? Tim Daniel spotlights De La Cruz’s electric three-hit, four-RBI night, his dazzling opposite-field home run, and a jaw-dropping defensive play that has everyone whispering Gold Glove potential.

The show also breaks down Chase Burns’ poised six-inning, nine-strikeout performance, setting a franchise record for fastest to 100 strikeouts and staking his claim as the Reds’ new ace. With Dane Myers emerging as a serious center field contender and Sal Stewart proving himself a cornerst...

Cincinnati Reds’ right field chaos leaves Terry Francona searching for answers as the lineup shuffle fails to spark any answers at the plate. With Will Benson and Rece Hinds all struggling, J.J. Bleday just settling in, and limited solutions available in Louisville, the Reds’ right field question grows more urgent by the day. Can a creative move—like shifting Matt McLain to the outfield—finally fix this problem?

Jeff and Steve break down the statistical woes plaguing the current outfield rotation, discuss potential call-ups like Blake Dunn and Hector Rodriguez, and debate whether front office ac...

The NL Central division turns into a battleground as the Cincinnati Reds ride clutch performances from Sal Stewart, Nathaniel Lowe, and Elly De La Cruz to seize the top spot. Can Terry Francona’s squad maintain their momentum as the division heats up and divisional rivals regroup? The Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and Pittsburgh Pirates all claw for position, with injuries testing their depth and fan bases amping up the home field energy at Wrigley, American Family Field, and PNC Park.

Jeff, Steve, Chuck Freimund, Sam Olbur, JD Hafron, and Gary Morgan deliver a no-holds-barred bre...

Cincinnati Reds flex their offensive muscle with a power-packed weekend at Great American Ballpark, as Matt McLain, TJ Friedl, Sal Stewart, and Nate Lowe ignite the lineup. With back-to-back slugfests and highlight-reel home runs, the Reds claimed two out of three games, surging to first place in the NL Central. Can this revamped lineup continue to mask the team’s pitching concerns and keep the wins rolling?

Steve and Jeff break down the Reds’ explosive hitting, salute Sal Stewart’s record chase, and debate the struggles of Andrew Abbott in the rotation. Key topics include updates...

Cincinnati Reds stumble as Detroit Tigers snap potential sweep with an 8-3 win—can the Reds finally crack the code on getaway games? Tim Daniel spotlights the bullpen’s rare breakdown, defensive lapses from Key Brian Hayes, and missed chances with runners in scoring position, questioning what it’ll take for Cincinnati to consistently close out series. The show analyzes standout moments including JJ Bleday’s electrifying Reds debut home run and Nate Lowe’s power surge, as well as mixed performances from TJ Friedl and Matt McLain.

Reds fans get insight into Rhett Lowder’s outing, key bullpen...

Cincinnati Reds crush Detroit Tigers 9-2 as Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz power an explosive offense. Can this dynamic duo keep the Reds atop the NL Central?

Tim Daniel breaks down Stewart’s rookie heroics—5 RBI and a three-run homer—alongside De La Cruz’s continued dominance in a deep lineup. The episode spotlights Brady Singer’s steady start, stellar infield defense led by key Brian Hayes and Matt McLain, and encouraging signs from TJ Friedl. Insights cover the bullpen’s resurgence, recent series wins fueling momentum, and the looming rookie pitching showdown of Rhett Louder versu...

Cincinnati Reds shock Detroit Tigers with an epic 9-8 comeback capped by Nathaniel Lowe's walk-off blast. Can this surging Reds squad sustain its momentum and turn early-season heroics into a legitimate playoff campaign?

Tim Daniel breaks down the Reds’ thrilling victory at Great American Ballpark, spotlighting Matt McLain’s two-homer night and Elly De La Cruz’s three times on base. The instant reaction covers everything from Tony Santillan’s rare bullpen stumble to clutch performances up and down the lineup, including key hits from Spencer Steer and Tyler Stephenson. Discussion centers on the Reds’ never-quit attitude, offensive...

Cincinnati Reds gear up for a crucial home series as Eugenio Suarez and Matt McLain eye breakout performances against the Detroit Tigers. Can Suarez rediscover his power stroke and will McLain finally ignite the Reds' offense in hitter-friendly conditions at Great American Ball Park? The return of Jose Trevino adds intrigue to the lineup as Reds fans look for supporting stars to step up alongside Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart.

Jeff and Steve break down the pitching matchups, spotlighting Andrew Abbott’s and Brady Singer’s paths to rebound, while Rhett Lowder looks to co...

Cincinnati Reds’ power duo Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart are on pace to make franchise history, with both eyeing unprecedented 40–40 seasons and potentially shattering George Foster’s longstanding home run and RBI records. Can these sluggers ignite a new era for the Reds lineup and deliver numbers the city has never seen?

Steve and Jeff break down the explosive starts from De La Cruz and Stewart and looming challenges in the Reds’ pitching rotation as inconsistency from Brandon Williamson raises tough questions. The hosts preview Hall of Fame Weekend, celebrate Brandon Phillips retiring as a Red...

Cincinnati Reds stumble against the Tampa Bay Rays as Brandon Williamson’s inconsistency raises pressing rotation questions. Can the Reds maintain their momentum after a tough 6-1 loss and failed sweep? Tim Daniel recaps Nick Martinez dominating his former team with eight strong innings, while the Reds’ offense falters on yet another sluggish getaway day—managing just five hits despite some hard contact and solid defensive plays.

Key analysis centers on Williamson’s erratic outings and what his struggles mean for the rotation, especially as Nick Lodolo’s return looms. Tim Daniel spotlights standout infield defense from Elly De La...

Cincinnati Reds’ dangerous middle of the order is heating up, as Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart power a lineup sending shockwaves through Major League Baseball. Is De La Cruz poised for a takeover run, and could Stewart’s rookie campaign be historic? Jeff and Steve break down how De La Cruz’s improved right-handed numbers and discipline at the plate are unlocking a new level, while Stewart’s league-leading RBIs, on-base surge, and unexpected speed have entrenched him as an elite run producer alongside Eugenio Suarez.

The show also spotlights the electric emergence of Chase...