Reds Announce Eugenio Suarez News After Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 24, 2026 6:20 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds have been one of the best teams in baseball throughout the month of April. Heading into Friday’s series opener against the Detroit Tigers, they are tied with the Chicago Cubs for first place in the National League Central.

While Cincinnati has had a successful run to begin the 2026 MLB season, Eugenio Suarez is still looking to get going. Across 25 games, the 34-year-old veteran has posted a .231 batting average, .300 on-base percentage, .663 OPS, three home runs and 11 RBIs.

While not horrible numbers, it is disappointing considering he is primarily playing as Cincinnati’s designated hitter, so his only job is to really hit.

Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Eugenio Suarez (28) © Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, Suarez will not have the opportunity to get back on track, at least for this Friday. Moments before first pitch, the Reds removed Suarez from the lineup, replacing him with Nathaniel Lowe at DH.

The team announced that he had been scratched with mid-back pain. It is unclear when the injury originated, but he likely felt it during warm-ups.

This is just another disappointing turn for Suarez. He signed with the Reds on a one-year, $15 million deal this past offseason, returning to the organization for his second stint.

Eugenio Suárez has been scratched with mid-back pain. Updated #Reds lineup:

CF Myers
2B McLain
SS De La Cruz
1B Stewart
LF Steer
DH Lowe
C Stephenson
RF Hinds
3B Hayes

SP Abbott https://t.co/hCvbK4dMLM
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 24, 2026

Suarez called Cincinnati home from 2015 through 2021, and he blossomed into one of the league’s best hitters there. Suarez has the track record to bounce back. He has collected two All-Star selections in his 13 MLB seasons, and just last year he launched 49 home runs.

However, he will first have to deal with managing his lower-back pain, and he may even end up on the injured list if it continues to progress.

The Reds offense has been the weakest part of the team this year, and if they lose Suarez, it could be troubling. Cincinnati needs him healthy and producing if it wants to maintain its early hold on the division.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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