Will Benson gets sent back to the minors

Spencer Steer takes over at the keystone to face Yankees rookie starter Elmer Rodríguez with top prospect Edwin Arroyo at shortstop for his eighth consecutive start since June 12. The big question for fantasy managers is whether Arroyo, who is hitting just .255 (12-for-47) through 17 games since being called up, will remain in the big leagues once Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) is ready to return from the injured list in a couple days.

Steer capped off a four-run uprising in the fifth inning with a 407-foot (102.3-mph EV) three-run shot that increased the Reds’ lead to 6-1. That would be his only hit on an afternoon that included a pair of strikeouts. The versatile 28-year-old is now hitting .240/.323/.429 to go along with 12 homers, 31 RBI and three stolen bases.

Lowe takes a seat with Spencer Steer at the cold corner and rookie Sal Stewart at DH to face Mets starter Tobias Myers. The 30-year-old first baseman has cooled off recently, hitting .222 (6-for-27) with zero extra-base hits in 12 games since the start of June.

Marte only started three of six games for the Reds after being called up on June 3, but he’s now been in the lineup for four straight contests. One would figure he’ll continue to get everyday at-bats amid this hot streak, but the former top prospect has yet to establish himself as a consistent big-league regular. Marte has a 155 wRC+ at Triple-A this season, so he has nothing more to prove in the minors. His roto-friendly profile will receive a boost from hitting in Cincinnati all summer if he can stick as a regular this time around.

With the game tied 1-1 in the eighth inning, Marte came through for the Reds in a big way, taking Juan Morillo deep for a solo homer. It would prove to be the deciding run in the game. That makes two homers in two days for the 24-year-old outfielder, his first two of the season. He’s certainly worth a look in all formats if he’s earned himself every day playing time with his recent play.

Arroyo moves up to the leadoff spot with Noelvi Marte taking over in center field with Blake Dunn receiving an off day in this one. The 22-year-old top prospect has hit just .227 (5-for-22) with one RBI in 10 games since being called up from Triple-A Louisville earlier this month. His opportunity to carve out a permanent spot on Cincinnati’s roster, likely as their primary second base option, is fading quickly with Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) progressing towards a minor league rehab assignment.

Marte hit is first homer of the season in the bottom of the second inning off of Eduardo Rodriguez to give the Reds an early 1-0 lead. His homer would account for one of only two runs the Reds managed on the evening. Despite drawing nine walks on the night, the Reds managed just four hits and came up short on multiple occasions with runners in scoring position. Marte has hit well since being recalled from the minors in June. The 24-year-old outfielder is slashing .316/.381/.526 in 19 at-bats this month and will hopefully continue to find his stride after tearing up Triple-A pitching.

Steer’s home run was a two-run shot off Michael King in the fourth inning, his 10th of the season. He has a decent chance at eclipsing his career high of 23, set back in 2023. The steady accumulator has hit between 20 and 23 homers in each of the past three seasons, and now he has the best barrel rate of his career. The Reds are set to return to Great American Ballpark for a six-game homestand that begins Friday.

Arroyo has started just three of five games since being called up from Triple-A Louisville earlier this week, going 2-for-10 with one run scored during that span. The 22-year-old top prospect’s path to regular at-bats is partially obstructed by Cincinnati’s overflow of veteran infielders, but he should see enough time at second base to make an impact in deeper mixed leagues. Matt McLain is at shortstop with Spencer Steer getting into the lineup at second base on Saturday afternoon at Busch Stadium.

Marte has crushed Triple-A pitching since being demoted, hitting .369/.409/.575 in 176 plate appearances with eight home runs and nine steals. Yes, he had struggled with the Reds to begin the year, but it was only 31 plate appearances over 11 games. This is still a 24-year-old who hit 14 home runs and stole 10 bases in 90 games last year while hitting .263. Marte has been playing center field in the minors and is coming up for TJ Friedl, so we have to assume the Reds are going to give him a look in center field. He deserves to be added in all formats based on what he showed last year.