Two teams that have struggled mightily since the All-Star break open a three-game series tonight at 6:40 p.m. Eastern time at Great American Ball Park.

The Colorado Rockies are 4-10 in their last 14, with two of those wins coming against the Reds at Coors Field. Cincinnati is 5-8 in their last 13. The Reds begin the night eight games behind NL Central co-leaders Chicago and St. Louis, and also eight games behind in the Wild Card standings.

Before tonight’s game, Tucker Barnhart was reinstated from the injured list, and he will start behind the plate. Fellow catcher Juan Graterol, who had to be removed Wednesday after being hit in the facemask with a foul tip, was placed on the 7-day concussion list.

Starting Pitchers

Name IP ERA xFIP K% BB%
German Marquez 137 4.99 3.65 23% 5.2%
Luis Castillo 118 2.36 3.74 28.8% 11.9%

Righthander Marquez did not pitch against the Reds in the recent series at Coors Field. He is as inconsistent as his record might suggest. His most recent start was a 7-inning, 2-run outing in a win at Yankee Stadium. The start prior, he was ripped for 11 runs in 2.2 innings against the Giants at Coors Field. The Reds have won three of Castillo’s last four starts. In that period, he has significantly cut back on the walks issued. Like Marquez, Castillo did not pitch in the recent series in Denver.

Bullpen

All members of the bullpen should be available, with the possible exception of Sal Romano, who pitched the final three innings in Tuesday’s win at Milwaukee. With this being the third day since that appearance, he may be available for a short outing if needed.

Starting Lineups

Rockies Reds
RF Charlie Blackmon CF Jesse Winker
CF David Dahl 1B Joey Votto
3B Nolan Arenado 3B Eugenio Suarez
1B Daniel Murphy RF Yasiel Puig
2B Ryan McMahon LF Josh Van Meter
LF Raimel Tapia 2B Scooter Gennett
SS Garrett Hampson SS Jose Iglesias
C Tony Wolters C Tucker Barnhart
P German Marquez P Luis Castillo

Additional insights into the statistical history of the players in today’s game are available all season long at BaseballSavant.com.

News and Notes

Not vertigo, says Senzel …

Getting ahead early tonight would seem to be a good idea…

 

25 Responses

  1. RedAlert

    Barnhart in starting lineup and can’t hit a lick – geeze

    • RedAlerr

      …Hopefully will turn it around staring tonight

  2. RedAlert

    …hopefully turns it around starting tonight

  3. Don

    Hopefully Castillo pitches a gem, gives the bullpen the night off and the Reds win.

    One game at a time.

    Hope Senzel is really feeling OK and it is Sinus/Allegry issue. Those can aggravate someone whom does have dizzyness issues.

  4. Big Ed

    Thanks, Doug. That was over the top.

  5. Big Ed

    I don’t like the early start this time of year. Too much glare for 3 innings. I would start later than normal, rather than earlier than normal.

    • Big Ed

      The glare obviously didn’t bother Daniel Murphy, who hits like Hank Greenberg when I watch him.

  6. Big Ed

    Our boy Teddy is the ball boy tonight.

    • Doug Gray

      The pride of my little part of town, Colerain.

  7. Indy Red Man

    JVM is really impressive! I’d give Scooter away for a bag of donuts and give him 2b the rest of the way!

  8. RedAlert

    That’s pitiful … but not unexpected – cause that is what this team does – textbook

  9. RedAlert

    WHY THE CRAP IS HE STILL THERE ?? Need to get this kid here and let him get some hacks – just like they are letting VanMeter do …. exact thing that bothers me about this organization …. seem to really drag their feet at times on promotions

  10. Tom Mitsoff

    There is a concert after the game.

  11. BigRedMike

    Jose is closing in on negative WAR and is 23 out of 24 in wRC+ for SS

  12. BigRedMike

    Not a great inning for Hughes. Solid contact from the first 3 hitters

  13. Ron Payne

    This team is lifeless. Going through the motions compared to most teams.

  14. RedAlert

    Putting an exclamation mark on the SELL button aren’t they – TOTALLY EMBARRASSING

    Let’s see what ya got front office …

    • RedAlert

      Won’t hold my breath though – only thing I’ve seen front office stand out in is
      fireworks and bobbleheads …

      We’ll see …..

  15. Hanawi

    Hughes threatening to even out the run differential in one inning.

  16. TR

    Reds need two starting tomorrow night for the series win.

  17. C Holbert

    If they are going to JVMR his opportunity, it needs to be at 2B. Playing him in the OFf is taking ABS from Senzel. Scooter is not ready and is on his way out of town. Scooter and DD need to sit and JVMR show what he has.