The Cincinnati Reds (9-11) are finally back on the field after four days off due a positive COVID-19 test. The Reds will travel to St. Louis tomorrow for a massive four game series this weekend, but first things first they will play a doubleheader today against the Kansas City Royals (9-14). Friendly reminder these games today will only be 7 innings each. That seems to be a massive advantage for the Reds with Luis Castillo and Trevor Bauer on the mound. The Royals have the 10th best bullpen ERA in the MLB also, so two less innings minimizes that some.
Mike Moustakas will make his return to the Reds tonight, and he will be the DH. Nick Senzel was placed on the IL. The Reds have said that everyone not on the IL has tested negative for COVID-19 according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, and they are all available to play tonight.
Starting Pitchers
Luis Castillo will make back-to-back starts against the Royals. 9 days ago he allowed just 1 run over 7 innings. Trevor Bauer will look to continue his NL Cy Young campaign later tonight. Bauer has a career 3.69 ERA in 17 games (16 starts) against the Royals. Bauer’s last start in Kansas City was where he famously threw the ball over the centerfield fence when he was taken out of the game. Trevor, in typical Bauer fashion, released a video today breaking down that wild moment.
Brad Keller dominated the Reds a week ago in Cincinnati: 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K. Matt Harvey will make his 2020 MLB debut tonight. Harvey’s MLB future is on life support, and this could be the Dark Knight’s last stand. Harvey said he will do “whatever is needed” for the Royals, including pitching out of the bullpen.
Matt Harvey on joining the Royals:
"Obviously I have a little bit of history here" pic.twitter.com/keDzekPBxj
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 18, 2020
Starting Lineups for Game 2
Reds
- Joey Votto (1B)
- Nick Castellanos (RF)
- Jesse Winker (DH)
- Eugenio Suarez (3B)
- Mike Moustakas (2B)
- Shogo Akiyama (LF)
- Freddy Galvis (SS)
- Curt Casali (C)
- Travis Jankowski (CF)
Royals
- Whit Merrifield (CF)
- Nicky Lopez (2B)
- Hunter Dozier (RF)
- Jorge Soler (DH)
- Ryan O’Hearn (1B)
- Maikel Franco (3B)
- Brett Phillips (LF)
- Aldalberto Mondesi (SS)
- Meibrys Viloria (C)
Starting Lineups for Game 1
1. Joey Votto (1B)
2. Nick Castellanos (RF)
3. Jesse Winker (LF)
4. Eugenio Suarez (3B)
5. Mike Moustakas (DH)
6. Shogo Akiyama (CF)
7. Josh VanMeter (2B)
8. Freddy Galvis (SS)
9. Tucker Barnhart (C)
1. Whit Merrifield (CF)
2. Nicky Lopez (2B)
3. Hunter Dozier (RF)
4. Jorge Soler (DH)
5. Ryan O’Hearn (1B)
6. Maikel Franco (3B)
7. Alex Gordon (LF)
8. Adalberto Mondesi (SS)
9. Cam Gallagher (C)
News and Notes
The Reds made a bunch of roster moves today, including activating Mike Moustakas from the injured list, placing Nick Senzel on the injured list, adding Robel García for the doubleheader since they can utilize a 29th roster spot. They also announced their taxi squad for the road trip, as well as the rotation through the weekend where they will need an additional starting pitcher. All of the details and more are at the link below.
Reds place Nick Senzel on the IL, activate Mike Moustakas for Wednesday
Assuming there are no weather-related postponements, there should be a full slate of MLB games, as scheduled, for the first time in a very long time.
##STLCards ace Jack Flaherty is making his 1st start today since Opening Day-26 days ago. This also could be the first day since opening weekend, July 24-July 26, no #MLB games are postponed due to positive COVID-19 test results
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 19, 2020
This could just be lip service, but Dick Williams said that Reds plan to participate in discussions at the trade deadline. You would think most trades would be about moving money, not big prospects, but if the Reds are willing to take on a few more dollars, they could very easily improve the team.
MLB's trade deadline is Aug. 31. Dick Williams said, "We plan to participate in discussions. We hope there is the opportunity to improve the club." #Reds
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) August 19, 2020
Conclusion
Big day for the Reds. They could get back to .500 with a doubleheader sweep. Luis Castillo and Trevor Bauer on the mound for two seven inning games. Let’s go Reds!