Reds Lose Miley to Injury, Drop Series Opener to Cardinals
The Cincinnati Reds faced two blows on Friday one before the game and another during it. Veteran left-hander Wade Miley was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left flexor strain, prompting the team to recall right-hander Connor Phillips from Triple-A Louisville. Miley’s injury is retroactive to Tuesday, and the pitcher admitted he began feeling pain earlier in the week. An MRI confirmed the strain, and manager Terry Francona noted Miley may have been pitching through discomfort for some time, praising his toughness and dedication.
In the night’s matchup, the Reds fell 6-1 to the St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a three-game series. Starting pitcher Brady Singer (7-5) turned in a strong outing, allowing just one run on four hits across six innings while striking out seven. Despite early trouble on the bases, he settled in and retired the final nine batters he faced. The lone run he surrendered came on Alec Burleson’s sacrifice fly in the third inning.
The game slipped away in the seventh, when the Cardinals capitalized on wild pitching, a hit batter, and a throwing error by Gavin Lux, scoring five runs on just two hits.
Cardinals starter Andre Pallante kept the Reds’ usually productive offense in check, limiting them to two hits and one walk over six-plus innings. The Reds entered the game averaging nearly six runs over their previous 12 outings.
Miley’s injury is a setback, especially given it follows his recent return from a 14-month recovery from a torn UCL. The 38-year-old signed a one-year deal with Cincinnati on June 4 and has made three appearances this season, posting a 6.75 ERA.
Francona expressed sympathy for Miley’s situation, acknowledging his love for the game and uncertain future due to his age and recent injury history.
Looking ahead, the Reds will turn to Brent Suter to open Saturday’s game in a bullpen start, with Chase Petty added to the taxi squad. Additionally, infielder Noelvi Marte (oblique strain) has begun a rehab assignment with the ACL Reds and is expected to rejoin Triple-A Louisville next week.
Despite the recent losses, the Reds remain optimistic, having won nine of their last 12 games.
