Stewart embraces Spring Breakout: 'What's not to love?'
PHOENIX -- Sal Stewart was one fired-up Reds prospect. On Sunday in the first inning during the organization's 9-7 Spring Breakout win over Brewers prospects, Stewart lifted a 2-2 pitch that sailed over the center fielder's head to the wall. Already not known as a speedster, he stumbled running between
PHOENIX -- Sal Stewart was one fired-up Reds prospect.
On Sunday in the first inning during the organization's 9-7 Spring Breakout win over Brewers prospects, Stewart lifted a 2-2 pitch that sailed over the center fielder's head to the wall. Already not known as a speedster, he stumbled running between second and third base, but still beat the relay throw with a headfirst slide for a two-run triple.
Stewart, who is ranked No. 3 in the organization and No. 83 overall by MLB Pipeline, pounded his chest toward the visitor's dugout and yelled, "Let's go!"
"It means a lot to us and our organization," said Stewart, a third baseman who was the 32nd overall pick by the Reds in the 2022 Draft. "Every time I step between the lines, I’m trying to win. I’m also trying to show them that I’m ready for whatever circumstance comes.”
Stewart, who also hit a single in the fifth inning, was 2-for-5 with three RBIs. This was the second time that he’s been part of the Spring Breakout experience.
“It’s great to get out on the field with a bunch of good players," he said. "It’s awesome because the competition is great. What’s not to love?”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
In 80 games for High-A Dayton last season, Stewart batted .279/.391/.454 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs. His season was cut short in July because of a right wrist laceration.
Stewart, 21, participated in his first big league camp this year and impressed manager Terry Francona.
“He’s a very advanced hitter," Francona said last Monday, after Stewart was sent to Minor League camp. "I don’t know when it is but he’s going to be a good Major League hitter. I firmly believe that."
O'Donnell matches Stewart
During a five-run top of the third inning, center fielder Ethan O'Donnell pulled a 1-1 pitch toward the right-field corner and reached third base standing up with a two-run triple of his own.
“I was talking to Cam Collier between at-bats and made some adjustments and I stuck to the plan there," said O'Donnell, who is ranked No. 18 in the organization. "He reminded me to stay through the ball and I work best looking to the other way. I give credit to Cam on that one.”
Collier, who is the No. 90 overall prospect and No. 4 in the organization, was unable to play as he recovers from left thumb surgery.
The lefty-hitting O'Donnell, 22, spent all of 2024 at Dayton and batted .269 with a .774 OPS, 10 homers and 40 RBIs in 104 games while working through a shoulder issue.
“That community in Dayton is unbelievable," said O'Donnell, a sixth-round pick out of Virginia in the 2023 Draft. "The support they have, the staff they have, let alone our organizational staff and our players in the locker room. Every day going to work was the best and to get that experience in a tough league against some good competition was phenomenal. Dealing with the ups and downs of baseball, the injuries, starting off slow, learning the mental grind of professional baseball. As much as you think you’re ready from college baseball, it’s a different beast.”
Serwinowski working on third pitch
Left-handed starting pitcher Adam Serwinowski, the Reds' No. 12 prospect, threw two innings and allowed one run, one hit and two walks with one strikeout. That strikeout came with a runner on first base when he got José Anderson looking at a strike-three fastball.
“You have to control the run game. I held the pause long and get a guy after he calls a timeout, make him wait and then he gets uncomfortable in the box and then I freeze him with a fastball," said Serwinowski, a 15th-round pick in 2022.
In his first full pro season during 2024 with Single-A Daytona, Serwinowski led the Florida State League with 25 starts and was eighth with 106 strikeouts. He posted a 3.57 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 85 2/3 innings. Most of his starts were capped at four innings.
Serwinowski is in the process of developing his changeup.
“I’ve been working on that for about two weeks so far," he said. "It’s coming along quicker than you’d think. They’re letting me feel it out when I want to introduce it in games when I feel comfortable to throw. We found a grip that we think is good and [the pitch] will contribute to my pitching depth.”
Mey hits 102
The Reds dugout thoroughly enjoyed watching No. 20 prospect Luis Mey zip through a scoreless eighth inning in relief. Mey, who struck out two, reached 101 mph multiple times and topped at 102 mph with his final pitch for the strikeout.
"That was fun to watch," Triple-A Louisville manager Pat Kelly said. "For me, the impressive thing is he threw strikes. A lot of guys throw hard but are constantly behind. He was aggressive. He went after the guys"
Senior Reporter Mark Sheldon has covered the Reds for MLB.com since 2006, and previously covered the Twins from 2001-05.
All-Diamond Team: Mike Stanton
In 2025, The Diamond hosts its 40th and final season of professional baseball in Richmond. Between the Richmond Braves from 1985-2008 and the Richmond Flying Squirrels since 2010, countless future major leaguers have taken the steps from the first base dugout onto The Diamond’s playing surface.
Baysox take series finale over Squirrels
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels led early but lost to the Chesapeake Baysox, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond.
Squirrels blank Baysox for second straight night
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels held the Chesapeake Baysox to three hits in a 1-0 win at The Diamond on Saturday night.
Squirrels put it all together for 10-0 win over Baysox
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels jumped ahead early and rolled to a 10-0 shutout win over the Chesapeake Baysox on Friday night at The Diamond.
Squirrels handed another close loss Thursday
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels fell to the Chesapeake Baysox, 4-3, on Thursday night at The Diamond.
Baysox top Squirrels in homerfest at The Diamond
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels lost to the Bowie Baysox, 10-6, on Wednesday afternoon at The Diamond.
Squirrels lose to Baysox, 4-1
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels opened their homestand with a 4-1 loss to the Chesapeake Baysox on Tuesday night at The Diamond.
Squirrels drop back-and-forth game to close road trip
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Victor Bericoto homered twice but the Richmond Flying Squirrels lost to the Harrisburg Senators, 8-6, on Sunday afternoon at FNB Field. The Flying Squirrels (2-7) dropped four-of-six in the series against the Senators (4-5).
Squirrels split Saturday doubleheader with Senators
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels split a doubleheader with the Harrisburg Senators on Saturday night at FNB Field, winning Game 1, 3-2, before losing the second game, 2-1.
Squirrels' bats held quiet in 2-1 loss to Senators
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels were held to four hits and lost to the Harrisburg Senators, 2-1, on Friday night at FNB Field.
Series Preview: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Diamond, snag an exclusive giveaway, watch postgame wrestling and more!
The Flying Squirrels are facing off against the Chesapeake Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, for a week of FUNN at The Diamond. The current Baysox roster boasts six players listed as Orioles' Top-30 Prospects.
All-Diamond Team: Logan Webb
In 2025, The Diamond hosts its 40th and final season of professional baseball in Richmond. Between the Richmond Braves from 1985-2008 and the Richmond Flying Squirrels since 2010, countless future major leaguers have taken the steps from the first base dugout onto The Diamond’s playing surface.
Whitman works strong debut but Squirrels fall to Sens, 3-1
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Joe Whitman threw five strong innings and Jairo Pomares homered for the second consecutive games, but the Richmond Flying Squirrels lost to the Harrisburg Senators, 3-1, on Wednesday night at FNB Field.
Squirrels bats heat up cold night for 7-4 win in Harrisburg
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels opened their first road trip of the season with a 7-4 win over the Harrisburg Senators on Tuesday night at FNB Field.
The Nutshell: Chasing Greatness with Dennis Pelfrey
Stitched on Dennis Pelfrey’s jersey is “12,” a number that’s followed him everywhere.
'Ducks come back to cap season-opening sweep over Squirrels
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels pulled ahead by four runs early but lost to the Akron RubberDucks, 5-4, in Sunday afternoon’s season-opening series finale at The Diamond.
All-Diamond Team: Tom Glavine
In 2025, The Diamond hosts its 40th and final season of professional baseball in Richmond. Between the Richmond Braves from 1985-2008 and the Richmond Flying Squirrels since 2010, countless future major leaguers have taken the steps from the first base dugout onto The Diamond’s playing surface. Prior to the season,
Squirrels fall behind early, lose to 'Ducks
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels fell to the Akron RubberDucks, 8-3, on Saturday night at The Diamond.
Sellout crowd packs final Diamond opener in 7-4 Squirrels loss
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels welcomed a capacity crowd of 9,810 for the final Opening Night game at The Diamond and fell to the Akron RubberDucks, 7-4, on Friday night.
Flying Squirrels' Opening Night sold out for 15th consecutive season
RICHMOND, Va. – Friday’s Opening Night has sold out, the Richmond Flying Squirrels announced on Wednesday. The team’s opener has sold out in each of its 15 seasons at The Diamond dating back to 2010.
All-Diamond Team: John Smoltz
In 2025, The Diamond hosts its 40th and final season of professional baseball in Richmond. Between the Richmond Braves from 1985-2008 and the Richmond Flying Squirrels since 2010, countless future major leaguers have taken the steps from the first base dugout onto The Diamond’s playing surface.
Giants set Flying Squirrels' initial 2025 roster
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels announced their initial 2025 season-opening roster on Tuesday as set by the San Francisco Giants.
All-Diamond Team: Grady Little
In 2025, The Diamond hosts its 40th and final season of professional baseball in Richmond. Between the Richmond Braves from 1985-2008 and the Richmond Flying Squirrels since 2010, countless future major leaguers have taken the steps from the first base dugout onto The Diamond’s playing surface.
Oppermann named Flying Squirrels' General Manager
RICHMOND, Va. – Anthony Oppermann has been named General Manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the team announced on Monday afternoon.
Series Preview: Flying Squirrels kick off the final season at The Diamond on April 4
The Flying Squirrels are kicking off the final season at The Diamond with a weekend of FUNN. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Diamond and the 15th season of Flying Squirrels baseball starting on Friday, April 4.