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May 29, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) runs off the field after scoring on a double hit by third baseman Jeimer Candelario (not pictured) in the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park.
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May 29, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) runs off the field after scoring on a double hit by third baseman Jeimer Candelario (not pictured) in the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park.

Stock Up or Down For These Cincinnati Reds Players?

After a series win in Chicago, who saw their stock improve this past week, and who has some work to do moving forward?

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Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds are coming off a hard-fought series win over divisional foe Chicago Cubs. Before the next series kicks off against the Colorado Rockies, let us pull back the curtains and discuss what players made a big impact on the squad.

Which Reds players saw their stock improve and who has some work to do?

Stock Up

Spencer Steer

After falling into a deep slump over the last half of May, Reds infielder Spencer Steer found his stride in this recent series. 

Across the three-game set, Steer went 5-11 with two walks and four strikeouts. On Saturday night, the 26-year-old had his first multi-hit game since May 10th.

Nick Lodolo

Unless you were already aware, it is impossible to tell that Nick Lodolo recently came off the injured list. The left-hander is pitching fantastic in his first two starts since his return. 

On Sunday, in his start against the Cubs, Lodolo kept them in check by only allowing two runs to score on seven hits. He recorded three strikeouts in the game. This was his first quality start since returning from the injured list on May 27th.

Alexis Diaz

The Reds closer gave us a scare in the first game of the series and was lights out to close the door on the Cubs in the rubber match. 

Alexis Diaz recorded two saves in the series moving his season total to 12. That's good enough for fifth-best in the National League. 

Stock Down

Graham Ashcraft

In Friday's start, Graham Ashcraft struggled to get through a full five innings to open the series. Thankfully for him, the bullpen held it together and the Reds got out with the win. 

"I know I haven't been doing what I need to be doing, but I feel like I'm close to doing what I need to do to help this team out and get us where I need to be." - Reds Pitcher Graham Ashcraft

His next start this week against the Colorado Rockies will be a must-watch to see what adjustments he makes to lengthen this start and provide more quality outs for the Reds.

Elly De La Cruz

It was extremely difficult to write down his name in the stock-down category after leading the league in steals by such a large margin, but Elly De La Cruz is having trouble at the plate. 

Over the three-game series at Wrigley Field, Elly De La Cruz went 0 for 14 with ten strikeouts. He only reached base once in 15 attempts with a walk. De La Cruz is arguably the most dangerous player in all of Major League Baseball when he is on the bases, but he is having trouble finding himself even the opportunities to grow his lead for stolen bases. 

Elly De La Cruz is hitting .189/.279/.269 with a 37% strikeout rate since May 1. Something needs to change.  

Will Benson

Across the series, Will Benson was one for five with four strikeouts, making it hard for Reds manager David Bell to write his name in the starting lineup. With multiple players close to returning from injury, Benson better step up his performance or he might be watching his roster spot fade away.

What's Ahead

Players will have their next chance to raise their stock as the Reds will begin a three-game series on the road against the Colorado Rockies beginning Monday. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:40 PM EST.