JJ Bleday had a solo home run in the second inning for an early Cincinnati (75-86) lead. Sal Stewart’s fielder’s choice scored a run in the third and Eugenio Suarez smashed an RBI double in the next at-bat.
Rhett Lowder (7-12) pitched six scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks, striking out two. Connor Phillips, Graham Ashcraft and Tejay Antone came out of the bullpen.
Andres Gimenez drove in a run with a groundout in the seventh for the only Toronto (78-83) run. The loss guaranteed that the Blue Jays will finish the season last in the American League East.
Starting pitcher Trey Yesavage (5-6) allowed a run on two hits and a walk, striking out three over two innings. Relievers Spencer Miles, Braydon Fisher, John Klein, and Brendon Little followed him to the mound.
Reds: Toronto limited all-star shortstop Elly De La Cruz to just a walk, forcing him to go 0 for 4 at the plate. But Stewart, Suarez and the bottom of Cincinnati’s lineup made up for his off day.
Blue Jays: Yesavage made just his second start after a lengthy stint on the injured list. The 23-year-old had a limited pitch count and, with only one game left in the season and Toronto eliminated from the playoffs, there was no need to strain his arm.
Blue Jays left-fielder Josh Smith knocked himself to the ground after backing into the outfield wall hard, allowing Rodriguez’s hit to become a triple.
When Klein entered the game in the fifth inning he became the 64th person to play for the Blue Jays this season, a franchise record.
Max Scherzer (3-9) will start on short rest for the Blue Jays in what could be the final appearance of his 19-year career.
The Reds will counter with Brandon Williamson (5-4).