The Cincinnati Reds are frustrated with the circumstances surrounding their loss to the Atlanta Braves in the Speedway Classic. The game was delayed twice due to rain and ultimately completed on Aug. 3, forcing the Reds into a bullpen game due to the injury of starting pitcher Chase Burns.
“This isn’t good when you lose a day like that,” said catcher Tyler Stephenson. “We’ll handle it and get through it.” However, Stephenson expressed concerns about how the situation was handled, stating that losing a starter is tough, especially with the team’s bullpen already carrying heavy loads this season.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers player Gavin Lux also voiced his concern over the handling of the game. He believes that waiting another hour could have avoided the need to burn Burns, and criticizes MLB for its decision-making.
Manager Terry Francona acknowledged the difficulties the Reds faced but focused on the game directly in front of him. “It’s a huge event,” he said. “We’re thinking about things, everybody’s got their own area to worry about. Our priority is winning games.”
Relief pitcher Scott Barlow emphasized that the team cannot let one loss deter them from moving forward. “Gotta move on and play the next day,” he said.
Source: https://eu.cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/2025/08/03/cincinnati-reds-atlanta-braves-speedway-classic-concerns-reactions-matt-mclain-tyler-stephenson/85501252007