Reds Embrace 'Clean Baseball' to Overcome Injuries

Cincinnati's focus on defense and fundamentals has them off to a 5-3 start despite key pitching injuries.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:08am

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The Cincinnati Reds have started the 2026 season 5-3 despite losing pitchers Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo to injuries in spring training. Manager Terry Francona preached a message of 'clean baseball' to his team, and the Reds have responded by committing zero errors through their first eight games - matching their longest errorless streak to open a season since 1900. The Reds are winning with strong pitching, stellar defense, and smart baserunning, even as their offense has struggled out of the gate.

Why it matters

The Reds' focus on fundamentals and avoiding mistakes is a key part of their identity this season, as they try to overcome injuries to key pitchers and an offense that has yet to fully click. Their ability to win close games through defense and baserunning could be a blueprint for success if the bats don't come around right away.

The details

In Saturday's 2-0 win over the Texas Rangers, rookie starter Rhett Lowder threw six shutout innings, while the Reds' defense made several highlight-reel plays. Outfielders Will Benson and TJ Friedl showed impressive range, and catcher Jose Trevino made a spectacular throw on a slow roller in front of the plate. The Reds also executed a perfect 'run and hit' play, with Elly De La Cruz scoring from first on a single by Sal Stewart.

  • The Reds have not committed an error through their first 8 games of the 2026 season.
  • In March, manager Terry Francona told the team 'Our margin for error might be less. Let's not make errors.'

The players

Terry Francona

Manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who preached a message of 'clean baseball' to his team after key pitching injuries in spring training.

Rhett Lowder

Rookie starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, who threw six shutout innings in Saturday's win over the Rangers.

Will Benson

Outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, who showed impressive range in the field during Saturday's game.

TJ Friedl

Outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, who made a diving catch after slipping on the foul line chalk in left field during Saturday's game.

Jose Trevino

Catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, who made a spectacular throw on a slow roller in front of the plate during Saturday's game.

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What they’re saying

“Being good at the little things is big messaging. The big homers are great. The little things, I'm seeing, are super important toward putting your team in the best position to win. Guys are getting paid a lot of money to get us out. Hitting comes and goes. Defense always has to be there.”

— Will Benson, Outfielder

“That's huge. That's our identity. Making the tough plays and letting our pitching do all of the work. Today was a great example of that.”

— TJ Friedl, Outfielder

“Whenever you take care of the ball and run the bases right — Matt had a couple of dirt ball reads and Sal went first to third when I thought it'd be close — that's what it takes to win close games. That's doing the little things.”

— Ke'Bryan Hayes, Third Baseman

What’s next

The Reds will look to continue their strong defensive play and fundamental baseball as they try to overcome the losses of pitchers Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. Their ability to win close games through clean play could be a key factor in their success this season.

The takeaway

The Reds' emphasis on defense, baserunning, and avoiding mistakes has them off to a 5-3 start despite key pitching injuries, showing that 'clean baseball' can be an effective formula for winning, even when the offense is struggling. This approach could serve them well as they try to stay competitive in the NL Central race.