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 …
Nick Senzel said he didn’t experience vertigo. Said allergies hit him, he’s feeling better. David Bell said he expects Senzel to play this weekend and is available tonight
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) July 26, 2019
Asked Nick Senzel where his head is with this: "I see a lot of people talk very negative about me. I don't think it's fair to me, I don't think it's fair to my teammates. I come out here and play as hard as anyone on the field." #Reds
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 26, 2019
Getting ahead early tonight would seem to be a good idea…
#Reds
25-8 when leading after 1st inning.
21-46 when tied/trailing after
1st inning.— Lance McAlister (@LanceMcAlister) July 26, 2019
Barnhart in starting lineup and can’t hit a lick – geeze
…Hopefully will turn it around staring tonight
Barnhart has two hits tonight.
…hopefully turns it around starting tonight
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.
Thanks, Doug. That was over the top.
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.
The glare obviously didn’t bother Daniel Murphy, who hits like Hank Greenberg when I watch him.
Our boy Teddy is the ball boy tonight.
The pride of my little part of town, Colerain.
JVM is really impressive! I’d give Scooter away for a bag of donuts and give him 2b the rest of the way!
That’s pitiful … but not unexpected – cause that is what this team does – textbook
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
No doubt.
Spot on Pete !
There is a concert after the game.
All is not lost.
Jose is closing in on negative WAR and is 23 out of 24 in wRC+ for SS
Not a great inning for Hughes. Solid contact from the first 3 hitters
This team is lifeless. Going through the motions compared to most teams.
Putting an exclamation mark on the SELL button aren’t they – TOTALLY EMBARRASSING
Let’s see what ya got front office …
Won’t hold my breath though – only thing I’ve seen front office stand out in is
fireworks and bobbleheads …
We’ll see …..
Hughes threatening to even out the run differential in one inning.
Reds need two starting tomorrow night for the series win.
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.