Ohtani back in Dodger lineup for Reds, who add Ke'Bryan Hayes

As Cincinnati Reds returned to their home ground at Dodger Stadium for the first time post their brief playoff appearance last year, they welcomed back a key player from their lineup. However, their luck was not solely on their side. The Dodgers also made a return of their own by activating their all-time baseball unicorn Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani had missed the last four games due to knee soreness.

Before diving into Ohtani's return, let's talk about the Reds' decision to activate their third baseman, Ke Bryan Hayes. Hayes had been on the injured list for a left groin strain for 11 days when the Reds decided to bring him back.

The Dodgers, on the other hand, are in a prime position to clinch the NL West title during that stretch, thanks to their second-best record in the majors. This puts them in a strong position to make a run for a third consecutive World Series championship, as they face the MLB-best Brewers in Milwaukee within that series.

The Reds, currently in last place in the NL Central, have won their last three series against teams in playoff position. Despite this, they are set to face the Dodgers seven times in their next ten games. In preparation for these matchups, the Reds optioned infielder Edwin Arroyo back to Triple-A Louisville, as a corresponding move for Hayes. Arroyo had only managed one hit in 17 at-bats during his latest call-up, highlighting the challenge that awaits the Reds in this series.