Ty France

France's RBI double in the second inning off Charlie Morton was the only run scored in the entire game. Maybe he just needed a change of scenery. France is 37-for-118 (.313) with four home runs and 13 RBI in 35 games since coming to the Reds. He's viable in mixed leagues once again. France is hitting .249 with a .714 OPS and 44 RBI on the year.

France's homer was the only offense for the Reds on Thursday, but it was enough with Rhett Lowder and the Cincinnati bullpen blanking the Houston lineup. France has been streaky for his entire career, and he's on the right side of that right now with 9 hits over his last 15 at-bats. The question is whether he can keep it going on a consistent basis; something he hasn't done the last two years.

He's 27-for-95 (.284) with three home runs and 10 RBI in 29 games since the Reds acquired France from the Mariners. France could be an option in deeper formats with the Reds having designated his platoon partner Dominic Smith for assignment. France got the start on Monday against the right-handed Justin Verlander and came through with a four-hit game, a sign that his playing time will increase going forward.

Miller was summoned to protect a three-run lead in the final frame and managed to slam the door on 25 pitches (15 strikes). He got Spencer Steer to ground out to third base to open the frame before giving up a single to ensuing batter Santiago Espinal and walking Ty France to bring the potential tying run to the plate. He bounced back immediately afterwards, striking out Amed Rosario and Will Benson to extinguish the threat.

As anticipated, Smith will take a seat with left-hander Bailey Falter toeing the slab for the Pirates. It appears as though he and Ty France will operate in a straight platoon at first base for the time being, with Smith seeing the strong side of the action there. He could carve out some usefulness from a fantasy perspective in weeks where the Reds face a slew of right-handers.