The Cincinnati Reds will open up spring training games this spring by being the road team at their own ballpark as they take on the team they share the complex with, Cleveland. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:05pm ET. Today’s game is scheduled for 8 innings.
Cincinnati Reds (0-0) Starting Lineup
- Kyle Farmer – SS
- Joey Votto – 1B
- Nick Castellanos – RF
- Eugenio Suárez – 3B
- Mike Moustakas – 2B
- Tucker Barnhart – C
- Max Schrock – DH
- Mark Payton – LF
- Scott Heineman – CF
- José De León – SP
Reserve players on today’s roster:
Pitchers
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
Cleveland (0-0) Starting Lineup
- Oscar Mercado – CF
- Ben Gamel – LF
- Jake Bauers – 1B
- Josh Naylor – RF
- Mike Freeman – 3B
- Yu Chang – 2B
- Billy Hamilton – DH
- Andrés Giménez – SS
- Austin Hedges – C
- Cal Quantrill – SP
Where to watch/listen/follow the game
The game will be live on the Reds on Radio Network. In the greater Cincinnati area the game will be available on 700 WLW AM. There will be no televised version of the game.
Reds links and news
Over at RedsMinorLeagues.com this morning I wrote about Kyle Holder and what he’s hoping to do this spring training as he fights for both a spot on the 26-man roster, as well as the starting shortstop position.
Kyle Holder hopes to give the Reds a tough decision at shortstop
Brandon Finnegan set to start the game on Monday
So here's a fun note: Brandon Finnegan is listed as the probable starting pitcher for the Cincinnati #Reds game tomorrow.
— Doug Gray (@dougdirt24) February 28, 2021
Why Kyle Farmer is hitting leadoff in the spring opener
Before you freak out about the spring training lineup, read the tweet below.
David Bell says he wants Kyle Farmer to get as many at-bats as possible in Spring Training.
That’s one of the reasons he’s leading off.
“He has a different approach at the plate, so getting his timing might be more important for him."
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) February 28, 2021
Final: Cleveland 5 – Cincinnati 1
The first game of the spring didn’t result in a win for the Cincinnati Reds as they fell to Cleveland 5-1 on Sunday afternoon.
The Highlights
Joey Votto went 2-2 with an RBI and accounted for half of the Cincinnati Reds hits. Kyle Farmer went 1-3 with a double and he scored a run. The other hit was a single my left fielder Mark Payton, who also walked in his other plate appearance. The Reds walked eight times on the day.
José De León allowed a run on a hit and two walks in his 2.0 innings that also included two strikeouts. Josh Osich struck out two batters in a perfect inning. Cionel Pérez and Art Warren each tossed a shutout inning of relief. Vladimir Gutierrez was charged with an unearned run in his inning of work that featured a strikeout.
You can see the full box score of the game here.
Postgame interviews with José De León & Kyle Farmer
Tomorrow’s Game
Same time tomorrow – a 3:05pm ET start for the Cincinnati Reds as they host the Oakland Athletics. No television, but the game will be available on the radio in the greater Cincinnati area on 1360 AM.
I didn’t know we had Cheslor Cuthbert must have missed that update somehow. That is a regal name I always liked that guy from the name alone, he was on the A’s if I recall, or maybe I am just way off but I know I have seen that name before and liked it. I will predict a s[ring training home run for him before this is over.
Cuthbert was a Royal.
Reds signed Cuthbert in December.
Yea I see that now after a Google, I was just giving you my honest first reaction to seeing him on the roster. Still like the name, probably no future but I guess crazier things have happened.
Billy Hamilton is the DH. Now that is amusing.
Same old Billy, he’s all offense. LOL
Isn’t it ironic?
Good news about Finnegan. Let’s find out right now if there’s anything still there.
Short take on Barnhart’s value behind the plate from catching “guru”, re: non-stat sheet value add:
https://twitter.com/JWonCATCHING/status/1365691520049762308?s=09
“Subtly controls the # of FREE BASES that R given up as a result of SB’S, PB’S, & WP’S.(Team that gives up fewest free bases wins 80% of the time)Not 2 mention his ability 2 put his P’S in positive counts because he is a plus receiver.”
So where are Winker and Aquino??
Probably getting ready to play tomorrow.
Would love to see Brandon Finnegan regain his form from pre-injury. Become a Johnson/Boddy project.
Love seeing a guy who refuses to stay on the mat. Rooting for ya Finny!!
Great to listen to the Reds on the radio. Glad Joey went 2/2…wish I could see highlights.
Same Reds as we saw last year in their first spring game.One run on four hits with at least 6 starters in the line up getting a couple at bats.Means nothing of course but would have been nice if we could have done better.
Our old friend Todd Frazier went hit a HR for the Pirates in their game today. If he makes their club, it’ll be weird seeing him play in a Pirates uniform. Even though he’s with Pittsburgh now, he’s a guy I don’t think I could ever root against.
WOW, seeing Kyle Farmer in #17, brings memories of TY Cline and Terry Crowley flooding back into my mind.
Got my Ted Kluszewski shirt on today.Fantasy draft is set for March 21. Can life get any better. Go Reds