Subterranean roster blues

Dylan Axelrod hadn’t pitched in a major league game since last year. He has a career FIP and ERA over 5. The Reds had acquired Axelrod exactly one month ago from the Chicago White Sox for “an unknown return.” Axelrod had been pitching (poorly) for the White Sox AAA team in Charlotte. Yet against all odds, Axelrod held the Colorado Rockies to two runs over six innings in Coors Field. He walked one and struck out seven. You’ll see him pitch against the Atlanta Braves next week.

Axelrod left the game with the Reds ahead 5-2. But for the second time today, the bullpen could not hold the lead. Carlos Contreras gave up a walk and three hits to allow a run and load the bases. Nolan Arenado’s ground ball to third proved to be the key play of the inning. Ramon Santiago, who had hardly played third base before this season, fielded the ball and instead of taking the easy conventional double play at second, ran to third base and made a poor throw to Brayan Peña, who had hardly played first base before this season. Two runs scored on the error, tying the game.

In the eighth inning, Contreras and Manny Parra combined to allow 5 more runs. With two outs and the game still tied, Parra fooled Josh Rutledge who hit a high chopping ground ball but there was no play. The floodgates opened after that.

The bullpen gave up 13 earned runs today. The Reds pitching staff allowed 20 runs, 30 hits and 12 walks in the doubleheader.

Brandon Phillips may well return to the Reds lineup tomorrow, in which case Kristopher Negron will see his playing time reduced. It should be noted that over the past 23 games, Negron has hit .288/.325/.507 for the Reds. Ryan Ludwick hit a long 2-run homer. Billy Hamilton went 3-for-4.

The Reds fly tonight to St. Louis for a three-game series against the Cardinals.