Spencer Steer

The three-year, $45 million deal with free-agent infielder Candelario checks a box for the Reds, albeit unconventionally.

Matt Wallner displays such little emotion on the field that even one of his best friends and former teammates describes him as boring.

Despite a loss to the Blue Jays, the Reds' future looked incredibly bright — and perhaps even faster — when Marte entered the game.

Abbott's 7 2/3 innings was the longest start by any Reds pitcher this year and his 12 strikeouts were a career-high.

Last year's aggressive midseason moves for Tyler Mahle and Jorge López did not work out, and now the Twins are paying the price.

Elly De La Cruz was the story in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers, but McClain, India, Steer and Stephenson are writing their own chapters.

"I was just kind of looking for it, be aggressive and just trust my instincts," Spencer Steer said of stealing third as automatic runner.

Plus updates on Jordan Balazovic and Austin Martin, the sad state of the AL Central, comping Michael Pineda and pitch clock downsides.

Also in the notes: Spencer Steer's strikeout aversion; position player pitching philosophies.

How the new clock influences the game in smaller ways will be seen and felt throughout the season.