The rookie outfielder entered the game stuck in a 1-for-20 slump before making an unexpected off-field adjustment earlier in the day. “I really haven’t been getting a ton of hits, so I just shaved it off and it worked,” Benge said after the game, according to SNY, referring to the decision to shave off his mustache before the series finale.

The 23-year-old responded with one of his most important performances of the season, coming through twice with two outs and two strikes. In the fifth inning, Benge fought back from an 0-2 count against Reds starter Andrew Abbott before lining a run-scoring single to center field. He added another RBI hit in the seventh inning to provide valuable insurance for New York.

Benge provides spark for struggling Mets lineup

Benge’s offensive breakout arrived at a crucial moment for a Mets team that had scored only six runs during its five-game losing streak entering Wednesday. Despite the recent struggles, the rookie has quietly enjoyed a productive month at the plate, batting .302 in May with six extra-base hits, 14 RBIs, and a .753 OPS.

The timely hitting helped New York finally generate offense after being held to two runs or fewer in six consecutive games. Benge’s ability to battle through difficult counts also stood out as the Mets searched for consistency throughout the lineup.

Meanwhile, Juan Soto continued his hot stretch with a first-inning home run off Abbott. The blast was Soto’s 12th homer of the season and his sixth over the last seven games. Eric Wagaman also contributed by recording his first hit with the Mets while homering in his first start for the club.

Mets bullpen helps secure key victory

New York relied heavily on its pitching staff to close out the win. Rookie Jonah Tong earned the victory after allowing just one unearned run across 3 2/3 innings despite issuing four walks.

Relievers Brooks Raley and Luke Weaver combined for 2 2/3 scoreless innings before Devin Williams escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning to secure his eighth save of the season.

For the Mets, Wednesday’s victory represented an important step forward after a difficult stretch, while Benge’s unusual pregame adjustment quickly became one of the team’s most talked-about storylines.

“I’m pretty sure there’s going to be a conversation,” Mendoza said after the loss, according to SNY. “We’re going to need Petey to throw important innings for us, whether it’s a starter, whether it’s coming after an opener, or pitching out of the bullpen.”

The comments came after another difficult outing for Peterson, who allowed six runs on a career-high 11 hits as the Mets dropped their fifth consecutive game. The latest loss further highlighted how the Mets are struggling during the 2026 season, though Freddy Peralta remains confident. Meanwhile, Manaea continued his recent strong stretch by allowing just one run across three innings of relief while striking out six batters.

Manaea continues building momentum for Mets

Manaea’s recent performances have strengthened his case for a larger role within the pitching staff. “There’s a lot to like there,” Mendoza said. “The life on the fastball. I think you see the swing and misses, especially at the top of the zone.”

Mendoza also praised Manaea’s ability to escape trouble after entering with runners on base, while highlighting the effectiveness of his cutter, sweeper, and changeup combination.

Peterson focused on improving despite struggles

Peterson had entered Tuesday’s game on a solid run after winning three of his previous four outings in May. However, his struggles against the Reds resembled the difficult stretch he experienced earlier this season when he posted a 7.92 ERA in April.

“I haven’t thought about it,” Peterson said when asked about a potential role change. “I’m focused on going back and looking at what we did well, what we need to do better, and move forward.”

With the Mets continuing to search for consistency during a disappointing stretch, Mendoza suggested that further pitching changes could be necessary as the club attempts to stabilize both the rotation and bullpen.

Following the defeat, Mendoza delivered a blunt assessment of the Mets’ current situation. “It sucks,” Mendoza said after the game via SNY. “I’ve been saying it, it’s not early anymore — we’re not putting ourselves in a good position, obviously. We gotta go out and do it.”

New York has now lost six of its last seven games and continues to struggle offensively, especially with runners in scoring position. The Mets finished 0-for-6 with RISP on Monday and have scored two runs or fewer in five consecutive games, even after the Mets were optimistic about the situations surrounding key players in recent days.

Mets offense continues to struggle without consistency

The Mets collected nine hits against Cincinnati but once again failed to turn traffic on the bases into meaningful offense. Their inability to hit for power has become one of the team’s biggest issues during this recent skid.

“We can sit here and make excuses with some of the guys we’re missing, but we have big-league hitters here and they are struggling,” Mendoza said. “We’re having a hard time putting rallies together, and the biggest thing is our inability to drive the ball out of the park.”

Marcus Semien provided one of the few bright spots offensively, hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning to end the team’s three-game homerless drought.

Mets face growing pressure as season slips away

Just weeks after showing signs of momentum during the Subway Series, the Mets have quickly fallen back into a difficult position in the NL East standings. Juan Soto missed Monday’s game due to illness, adding another challenge for a lineup that has lacked consistency throughout the season.

Meanwhile, the team remains stuck in last place as Memorial Day passes and the playoff picture begins taking shape. With the season approaching its one-third mark, the urgency inside the clubhouse is clearly growing as the Mets search for answers before the gap in the standings becomes even more difficult to overcome.

According to a team announcement shared on X, the Reds confirmed Suárez’s next step in his recovery. “The Reds today sent IF Eugenio Suarez to Triple-A Louisville on a rehab assignment,” the club posted.

The move suggests Suarez could be nearing a return to the major league roster, especially since position players can spend a maximum of 20 days on rehab assignments without being activated. His immediate placement at the Triple-A level also indicates he is progressing well in his recovery process.

Suarez is in his first season back with Cincinnati after previously playing for the club from 2015 to 2021. In 25 games this year, he is batting .231 with a .300 on-base percentage, along with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and 10 runs scored.

Suarez return could boost struggling Reds lineup

Cincinnati’s offense has struggled to find consistency this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in key categories. The Reds currently sit tied for 17th in runs scored, while also ranking 27th in batting average and 24th in on-base percentage.

The potential return of Suarez would provide an important boost to a lineup that has lacked production in key moments. His power and experience remain valuable assets as the team tries to stay competitive in the NL Central race.

Reds continue battling injuries while staying in contention

Injuries have been a major storyline for Cincinnati, with seven players currently on the injured list. Despite that, the Reds recently snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, improving their record to 25-24.

Cincinnati now sits 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the division standings as they prepare to close their series with Philadelphia before facing the St. Louis Cardinals.

Suarez’s rehab assignment now becomes one of the most closely watched developments for a Reds team hoping to stabilize both its roster and its playoff positioning in the weeks ahead.

After news broke that Tarik Skubal is set to miss multiple weeks due to injury, the spotlight now shifts to the Pirates. MLB reduced Devenski’s suspension to two games after an initial three-game ruling, while Kelly will miss one game. Both also received fines. “Going hard inside to start an at-bat… just trying to execute my pitch,” Devenski said, according to MLB.com, making it clear he did not believe the throw was intentional.

The moment occurred during the seventh inning, when a pitch inside caused Stewart to lose his helmet and react with frustration. After a brief discussion among the umpires, the decision was made to eject Devenski, which later led to the suspension.

Umpires explain decision after reviewing the situation

Crew chief Alan Porter said the ruling was based on the full sequence of events during the at-bat. “We believe he threw it at him intentionally. That’s why we ejected him,” Porter explained.

After the ejection, Yohan Ramirez entered the game and finished the inning. Despite the tension, Pittsburgh went on to secure a convincing 17-7 win, completing a strong series against Cincinnati.

Pirates must adjust with bullpen already under pressure

The suspensions come at a challenging time for Pittsburgh, as the team has relied heavily on its bullpen early in the season. Through 35 games, the Pirates’ relievers have already logged one of the highest inning totals in the league.

That puts more responsibility on starters like Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler to provide length in upcoming games. The team will look to manage its pitching carefully while Devenski serves his suspension.

Devenski, a veteran with more than a decade in the majors, has made three appearances for Pittsburgh this season, allowing two earned runs in limited innings. Even with a short suspension, his absence adds another test for a team trying to maintain stability on the mound.

According to the Reds on X, “The #Reds today placed C Jose Trevino on a rehab assignment at High-A Dayton.” The catcher has been sidelined since early April due to a thoracic spine strain, and the organization will now ease him back into game action at the minor league level.

Trevino has played in just three games this season, going 1-for-11 at the plate before landing on the injured list. While his offensive production was limited, his experience and defensive presence remain important for a Reds team off to a strong start at 16-9.

Trevino begins gradual return through minor league action

The rehab assignment will allow Trevino to regain timing and rhythm behind the plate. He is expected to start with limited innings as the team prioritizes a controlled workload before considering activation. Cincinnati has emphasized a cautious approach, ensuring the catcher is fully ready before returning to Major League action.

Reds manage multiple injuries while maintaining strong start

Trevino is one of several Reds players currently working through recovery programs, as the team continues to balance early-season success with roster depth concerns.

As Cincinnati moves forward, getting key contributors healthy will be crucial to sustaining its strong position in the standings and maintaining momentum through the next stretch of games.

“I’m told the Pirates offered the same AAV on Eugenio Suarez ($15 million), were willing to go higher, as well as add another year,” Jason Mackey of the Post-Gazette Sports wrote on X, making it clear that Pittsburgh had been pursuing Suárez for some time, as previously reported.

According to Mackey, Suárez’s decision to ultimately sign with the Reds came down to familiarity with the organization and the potential to secure a bigger contract down the line. “Sounds like his choice came down to a better ballpark fit, familiarity and a chance to cash in next year with a big season.”

Could the 2026 lockout affect Suarez’s future?

It’s still uncertain whether the lockout will actually happen, as has been predicted for several months, but Suarez could be seriously impacted by it. At least his $15 million for the 2026 season is guaranteed, but in situations like this, everything in MLB could come to a halt.

If a lockout occurs in December 2026, the transaction freeze would likely force Suárez to decide on his 2027 option early without knowing the future league rules. A work stoppage could also delay his 2027 paychecks and eat into the season he needs to prove he is still a top-tier slugger.

In any case, the Reds not only have Suarez locked in, a player who already knows the team, but they can also wait patiently if this type of situation occurs in the league. A lockout can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how quickly the owners and the players’ union can find common ground.

“Suarez is likely to see most of his at-bats at DH, also playing some first base and third base. Sal Stewart will have a similar role, while Spencer Steer will play some outfield and be used in more of a utility role,” Mark Feinsand wrote on X.

Suárez had a strong 2025 season, but some MLB teams appeared hesitant due to the slugger’s age. Seattle also chose not to retain him, largely because several prospects needed playing time, and with Suárez occupying a position, that opportunity became limited.

Suárez could once again give the Reds what they need

It’s worth remembering that Suárez’s 2019 season with Cincinnati was one of several standout years he had with the club. That year, he hit 49 home runs with a .271 batting average, producing 87 runs, 156 hits, and 103 RBIs. Three of his five best home-run seasons have come with the Reds.

“The Cincinnati Reds, starving for power, haven’t had a player hit more than 25 HRs in a single season since Eugenio Suarez’s departure after 2021. Suarez had 30 homers alone by the All-Star break last year. He has hit at least 25 homers in seven of his last eight full seasons,” Bob Nightengale wrote.

MLB insider Jeff Passan labeled Suárez the “best bat left on the market” in his report on the $15 million deal he signed with Cincinnati. One of the most appealing aspects of the contract is that Suárez will have a mutual option with the Reds for the 2027 season, depending on how he performs this year.

Traded midseason from the Arizona Diamondbacks back to the Seattle Mariners, a franchise familiar with his profile and production, he reminded the league why his power remains among the most bankable commodities in today’s game.

After Jim Bowden shed light on Eugenio Suárez’s stalled market as 2026 spring training approaches, front offices are now recalibrating rosters and payrolls. The question is no longer whether teams will pursue Suárez, but how aggressive they’re willing to be as the market begins to take shape across MLB.

Suárez’s suitor

According to Jon Heyman, the Mariners remain the most logical fit, largely due to comfort and timing. Despite Seattle’s deep farm system, the organization has been hesitant to commit long-term money, a stance that could align perfectly with Suárez’s market if flexibility becomes a priority. “I’m still going to say the Mariners first, but they have so many great prospects,” Heyman said, emphasizing Seattle’s preference for shorter commitments.

Heyman also pointed to Suárez’s familiarity with the clubhouse and recent production as deciding factors. “If he’s willing to do a one-year deal, they like him… Obviously, close to 50 home runs,” he added.

Which other teams could realistically enter the sweepstakes?

Beyond Seattle, Heyman identified two additional clubs with clear offensive needs. The Pittsburgh Pirates, still searching for middle-of-the-order reliability, were mentioned as a strong secondary option given their lack of proven power depth. “Pirates still need a hitter, so I’m going to put them for number two for Suárez,” Heyman said.

The Cincinnati Reds also surfaced as a familiar and logical destination. Suárez spent six seasons in Cincinnati earlier in his career, and the club’s ongoing search for consistent run production could open the door to a reunion. “I think they still need a little more offense, so I could see Suarez for them as well,” Heyman concluded.

In this case, Jon Heyman of The New York Post announced the arrival of right-hander Pierce Johnson to the Reds’ roster. While details about the transaction are unknown, the fact remains that Francona is adding experience in a key area of the field.

Having most recently played for the Atlanta Braves, Johnson was an NPB All-Star in 2019 while playing for the Hanshin Tigers. His arrival is key, as the pitcher can provide the experience necessary to help the Reds have a strong season.

Johnson’s numbers that caught Francona’s attention

After a reliable 2025 campaign with the Atlanta Braves, Pierce Johnson officially signed with the Cincinnati Reds to bolster the bullpen under manager Terry Francona. Johnson’s performance last year was a primary factor in the move, as he posted a strong 3.05 ERA across 65 appearances.

His ability to miss bats was evident with 59 strikeouts in 59 innings of work, and he maintained a consistent 1.20 WHIP while contributing one save. Francona and the Reds’ front office targeted Johnson’s veteran presence and high-spin curveball to provide late-inning stability as they aim for a deeper playoff run in 2026.

Cincinnati continues to retool its bullpen

Following a successful postseason berth last year, the Cincinnati Reds are aggressively retooling their roster to ensure a return to October in 2026. By pairing newly re-signed closer Emilio Pagan with veteran additions Caleb Ferguson and Pierce Johnson, the club has built a formidable late-inning relief corps alongside Tony Santillan.

This revamped bullpen also gains high-upside depth from former starters Graham Ashcraft and Connor Phillips, perfectly complementing a powerhouse rotation led by Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott. Under the leadership of Terry Francona, the Reds enter the season with one of the most complete pitching staffs in the National League.

According to MLB insider Francys Romero, the Reds have signed right-handed pitcher Yunior Marte to a minor-league deal. Romero shared on X that “the Reds have agreed to terms with free-agent RHP Yunior Marte on a minor-league contract,” marking the return of the Dominican player to the U.S.

After spending last season with Japan’s Chunichi Dragons, Marte is poised to return stateside, though initially in the minor leagues. This move is strategic as the Reds navigate their options to bolster their roster ahead of the trade deadline.

Marte’s time with the Phillies was challenging, as his performance did not meet expectations during his two seasons. In 2023, he recorded an ERA above 5.00 over 40 games, with a WHIP of 1.627 and a strikeout rate of 8.7 per nine innings. He now has an opportunity to rejuvenate his career in the upcoming season, particularly if he makes it back to the majors.

Marte’s performance in Japan

Despite struggling with the Phillies, Marte seemed to find his form in Japan. He achieved a remarkable 1.95 ERA, which marked a career high in his four years of professional play. Additionally, Marte recorded 25 strikeouts in 35 appearances for the Chunichi Dragons.

Notably, he posted a 0.00 BB/9 in Japanese minor league games, a feat that undoubtedly caught the Reds’ attention, leading to his invitation to their spring training camp.

With Marte’s addition, the Reds are banking on his potential to impact their roster positively. As they strive for success, securing high-caliber talent will be crucial for the Reds to make a significant impact in the 2026 MLB season.