Outlook Sal Stewart
Reds rookie Sal Stewart looks to snap a cold spell as a demanding six-game slate looms against New York's pitching staffs.
The 22-year-old phenom has cooled off significantly, batting just .178 over his last 14 days, though he has maintained a solid eye with five walks in his last six games. Playing as Cincinnati's everyday first baseman, he is currently trying to carry a fifth-place Reds team that is missing superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz due to injury.
Despite the temporary slump, Stewart's overall season remains highly impressive, boasting 13 homers, 10 steals, and a .251 batting average over 70 games. Our models project a strong rest-of-season finish with a projected .263 batting average and 18 total home runs, indicating that his current dry spell is a minor regression rather than a cause for panic.
The week ahead features a balanced six-game schedule, starting at home against the Mets before traveling to face the formidable Yankees. While he should find success early in the week against Tobias Myers and his 4.35 ERA, matchups against Cam Schlittler (1.82 ERA) and Gerrit Cole (2.45 ERA) will test the rookie, but his guaranteed volume makes him a mandatory option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 11 hrs ago
