Cincinnati Reds' Eugenio Suárez rounds the bases after hitting a...

Cincinnati Reds' Eugenio Suárez rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Credit: AP/Carolyn Kaster

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Eugenio Suárez was scratched from the lineup for Friday night's series opener with the Detroit Tigers due to a back issue.

The Reds did not release details on the nature or seriousness of the issue with Suárez.

Suárez, who signed a one-year, $15 million free-agent contract with the Reds in February, is batting .231 with three homers, three doubles and 11 RBIs in 25 games.

Nathaniel Lowe replaced Suárez as DH on Friday and batted sixth.

Suárez's return to Cincinnati was expected to add some punch to the middle of the Reds' order along with rookie Sal Stewart and shortstop Elly De La Cruz.

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