Rookie Rising: Reds’ Sal Stewart Shines Bright Against Padres
Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart took center stage on Tuesday night at Petco Park, launching a solo home run that lit up the scoreboard and the dugout alike. The 21-year-old third baseman, donning the number 43, celebrated his second career home run in style, gesturing towards the Padres dugout after his impressive swing.
A Special Connection
Baseball often reveals unexpected connections, and the bond between Stewart and Manny Machado exemplifies this beautifully. Both hailing from Miami, their relationship dates back eight years when Stewart was introduced to Machado by former Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso. Since then, the veteran slugger has taken Stewart under his wing, serving as both a mentor and a friend.
Currently, as the Reds visit the Padres, Stewart is rooming with Machado, further strengthening their bond. This relationship adds an emotional layer to Stewart’s performance, particularly as he took to the plate on Tuesday.
A Memorable Celebration
After hitting his home run during the first inning, Stewart playfully mimicked the “watch” celebration popularized by football star Shedeur Sanders, a gesture meant to amuse Machado. “I was just messing with him,” Stewart explained. “He found it funny, for sure.” The playful nature of the celebration drew attention not just for its creativity but also for the context behind it; Machado had previously gifted Stewart a watch.
Proving His Worth
Despite entering the game with a batting average of .200, Stewart’s power is evident. In just his seventh major league game, he has already hit two home runs among his four hits. Reflecting on his journey, Machado expressed his pride in Stewart’s potential. “Hell yeah, that’s my protégé,” he said earlier this year. “I’ve been training with him for like eight years. He’s the best hitter in the Minor Leagues, absolutely.”
Stewart reciprocates this admiration, calling Machado one of his best friends and likening him to an older brother. “He’ll give me the tough love that I need,” Stewart remarked. “He’ll tell me when I’m right and when I’m wrong. He’s my everything in my life.”
The Bigger Picture
On a night when personal triumphs intersected with competitive stakes, the Reds claimed a 4-2 victory over the Padres. As the playoff race heats up, the Reds now find themselves three games behind the New York Mets and six behind the Padres in the National League Wild Card standings. The Padres, meanwhile, are experiencing their own struggles, sitting two games out of first place in the National League West after the Dodgers’ win.
Reflecting on the game, Machado acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the moment. “I know Michael (King, the Padres’ pitcher who gave up the home run) didn’t love it too much,” he said, recognizing the impact of Stewart’s achievement on his team’s aspirations. “But that was cool.”
In a sport where relationships and rivalries intertwine, Sal Stewart’s rising star is a testament to the enduring connections formed within the game, illuminated by a home run that resonated well beyond the diamond.
