Home sweet home. The Reds return to Cincinnati to host the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park tonight at 7:10pm ET. The Reds will look to keep up their winning ways at home in a battle for what will be a spot in last place for the loser.
Starting Lineups
Chicago Cubs
|
Cincinnati Reds
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| Willson Contreras – C | Jesse Winker – LF |
| Kris Bryant – RF | Nick Castellanos – RF |
| Anthony Rizzo – 1B | Joey Votto – 1B |
| Javier Báez – SS | Mike Moustakas – 3B |
| Matt Duffy – 3B | Eugenio Suárez – SS |
| Jake Marisnick – CF | Tyler Naquin – CF |
| David Bote – 2B | Nick Senzel – 2B |
| Nico Hoerner – LF | Tucker Barnhart – C |
| Jake Arrieta – SP | Wade Miley – SP |
Starting Pitchers
Wade Miley
It has been a good April for Wade Miley. In his four starts this season he’s allowed just six runs over 22.0 innings with 14 hits, two home runs, just five walks, and he’s picked up 16 strikeouts.
Left-handed hitters aren’t given many opportunities to face him – they’ve had just 13 plate appearances against him in four starts thus far and have gone 1-12 with a walk. Right-handed hitters are going much better, but that’s only because it’s tough to do worse than 1-12. Righties are hitting .188/.233/.319 against Miley with four walks and 12 strikeouts so far this season.
Pitch usage from 2021
| 4-Seam | 2-Seam | Cutter | Change | Curve | |
| Velo | 89.6 | 87.8 | 85.4 | 81.6 | 75.3 |
| Usage | 11.2% | 2.4% | 53.0% | 31.8% | 1.5% |
Jake Arrieta
After two down years in a row with Philadelphia, Jake Arrieta returned to Chicago and he’s pitched much like he had prior to leaving after 2017. He’s posted a 2.57 ERA through five starts and 28.0 innings with just two home runs allowed, 11 walks, and he’s picked up 26 strikeouts.
Left-handed hitters have had more success so far this season against Arrieta, posting a .657 OPS against him versus a .578 OPS put up by lefties. This will be the third road start for Arrieta. Small sample size to the extreme, but he’s pitched better at home this season (1.59 ERA, .535 OPS against) than on the road (4.09 ERA, .772 OPS against).
Pitch Usage in 2021
| 2-Seam | Slider | Curve | Change | |
| Velo | 91.2 | 87.7 | 79.8 | 86.1 |
| Usage | 59.4% | 18.6% | 15.7% | 6.3% |
When and Where
- Game time: 7:10pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
- Watch: Bally Sports Ohio (formerly Fox Sports Ohio), MLB.tv
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 59°, Sunny, 0% chance of rain
News and Notes
Lineup Change
Initially the lineup included Jonathan India at second base. Just over an hour before the game the Reds announced that he had been placed on the injured list. That led to a lineup change that saw Nick Senzel sliding from center field to second base and Tyler Naquin moving to center field after initially not being in the lineup.
Tejay Antone’s offseason adjustments are paying off
There have been a lot of words written about Tejay Antone here at Redleg Nation. Chad Dotson and Chris Garber even spoke some words about Antone this week on Redleg Nation Radio. And why not – the guy has been absolutely lights out for Cincinnati since making his debut last season. But today we took a look at why he’s gotten even better this season as he’s tried to find more ways to strike out everyone he faces.
The Reds are bringing back Tim Adleman
Earlier today the Cincinnati Reds signed former big leaguer, and former Reds pitcher Tim Adleman to a minor league deal. They assigned the 33-year-old to the alternate site in Louisville, where he’ll likely begin the season in Triple-A when the season begins on Tuesday.
Roberto Alomar placed on the ineligible list
This isn’t Cincinnati Reds news, but it’s still pretty big news in Major League Baseball.
For those curious – The Hall of Fame released a statement noting that Alomar’s plaque will remain on display. You can read it in full here.
NL Central Standings
Playoff odds via Fangraphs
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff % |
| Brewers | 15 | 10 | 0 | 65.5% |
| Cardinals | 13 | 12 | 2.0 | 24.6% |
| Pirates | 12 | 12 | 2.5 | 1.0% |
| Reds | 11 | 13 | 3.5 | 17.3% |
| Cubs | 11 | 14 | 4.0 | 12.2% |
Dont understand why men can’t keep their hands or their dirty thoughts to themselves. Treat a woman like you would want a man to treat your Mother, Wife or daughter. Respect is so hard for some to understand. Pete isnt allowed in the hall for gambling and Alomar shouldnt either for his sexual misconduct. In a way baseball is still sticking their nose up to women. Sad.
He was already in hall when offense happened if it was 2014
They can’t remove him? Some point in time the line needs to be drawn and enough is enough. Career is over so if you want to, go ahead and assault all the women you want. Your plaque is safe .
Jb that would be hard to do I’m sure and it’s never happened that I know of
It would be insanely easy to do, actually. It’s a plaque, not literal Mount Rushmore. It would take their team all of an hour to remove Alomar’s plaque and his entry on the BBHOF website.
Any word on the India injury?
Hope this doesn’t go back to his beaning.
Me too but if it does have something to do with it, look for India to get suspended and Molina to get NL player of the week
I know Wayne. Just venting. Mr. Alomars actions tell me everything I need to know about him. No integrity or character.
The integrity of baseball itself is more sacred than the integrity of a human being’s sanctity?
That’s the message of leaving Alomar in the HoF
Violate gambling rules—banned. Violate another human being? That’s ok for the Hall
Pete Rose did more than just gamble.
That’s right. But he was banned for the gambling. Since then it’s been discovered that he was with minors, etc, which many have used to additionally justify the ban in retrospect.
So let’s be consistent with our messaging. Which is worse as a human being?
In the earlier lineup posted, Suarez was batting behind Senzel. Now he isn’t. I know India was IL’d. Was the 1st lineup simply an error?
Hope India is ok, but glad to see Naquin in the lineup. Most seem to think he’s slumping, but he’s 6 for his last 22 (.273) with a hr & 5 rbis and a .385 obp. He’s a good fit for gabp.
Lets get back in a groove at home! Didn’t the Reds sweep 4 from the Cubbies in gabp several years back. Disco hit a granny didn’t he? That was about the most fun the Reds have had in the last 5 years. Cubs fans everywhere at gabp is like getting home from work and seeing your mother-n-laws car in the driveway.
Here are my bold (read: idiotic) predictions for the evening:
Suarez goes deep
Senzel makes an error at 2B
Miley gets worked over a bit
Antone pitches and gets the win
Reds win 6-4 in regulation.
I like you’re willingness to put your name on it!
Getting “worked over a bit” indeed.
Uhh bump
Regarding Alomar, I’d be willing to bet that if every athlete who was guilty of “sexual misconduct” was banned, there’d be a lot of team vacancies and blank spots on the wall of the HOF. Maybe Alomar was particularly egregious but let’s not pretend it’s rare or that it’s always as reported.
I’m all for it. Vacate them all of that’s what they did. What if it was your relative or friend that was victimized?
Anyway LDS I apologize if I seem personal in my responses really I think the debate belongs elsewhere. I think you’re a good commenter on the site.
Ok I’ll say no more, I don’t want Doug to have to shut down the thread or something.
I agree it’s more appropriate elsewhere. My perspective derives from several decades of management in corporate America. I saw a number of these allegations and they were never fun, and often not as originally alleged. They were never fun.
The fact is, though, that this WAS reported. So we can stop trying to compare it to other cases where “well, maybe some other people did it too that we just don’t know about”.
Am I the only one giddy to see Senzel at 2nd base today?
Nope
Third base would be better
And where would you put Moustakas?
I hear ya. Not sure how much he’s played there in the past though. He and Moose could be interchangeable.
How about Moose at 1st and Votto retires?
He’s not retiring, so be realistic.
Mainly responding to moose IL stent with farmer/ blandino playing 3b
Ill take senzel at 2b/3b and cf 6 days a week. Injuries happen
Covid happens . Vets needs rest at 3b 1b
If Moose at third, then either Senzel or India at SS >>Suárez at SS. The other at 2B. Suárez at bench
I’m excited to see the Reds decided to put their best players on the field. If this was 2 weeks ago, Farmer would have got the emergency start. Senzel becomes much more valuable playing in multiple positions.
Looks like it’s “emergency time” in David Bell’s mind for Senzel to play infield. Haha Cool. Maybe there will be other “emergencies” at other positions eventually too.
Is it just me or is the Bally telecast lacking focus? Seems like it’s in standard def rather than high def.
CF camera and behind-the-plate camera seem fuzzier than the others.
Battle for last place in the NL Central Division. For now the Reds are making Jake A. look like Cy Young!
Well— he has looked that good at times over his career
That was a great rebound to get out of that inning with no runs score.
David Ross has no problem sitting Jason Heyward at $21 million with $44 mil still in 2022/23 for duffy 3b and Kris Bryant RF
Yes. He’s not a sucker for the sunk cost fallacy
If Arrieta and Antone were standing side by side, I wouldn’t be able to tell who’s who.
Votto crushed it…#300
114 mph
Great to see Joey Votto getting some huge hits for the team!!!
Congrats to future hall of famer Joey Votto on his 300 th home run.
NL player of the decade 2010-19 and best Reds hitter of all-time.
With Miley at 65 pitches thru 3 innings, this game will be won or lost by the Reds schizophrenic bullpen! We need the GOOD Ricky Vaughn!
Just a liiiiiiitle bit outside…
?
The question mark was supposed to be a fingers crossed emoji. My bad.
Line from the movie Major League delivered by Bob Uecker
Suarez showing some uncanny patience at the plate today
Geno!
Sight for sore eyes. Beautiful swing and right of CF
Always good to see Geno go oppo
Yep. Just quit the 50 HR garbage mi amigo
I don’t think you’ll catch him saying that again.
Senzel finally pops one.
Just keep looking for those low pitches….that’s all Jake A. throws.
Hopefully Bell keeps penciling Senzel in there everyday. He seems to be heating up now!
The question mark was supposed to be a fingers crossed emoji. My bad.
Well—I just watch Lil Senzi’s HR on Gameday
That thing got out in a heartbeat
Senzel!!
Arrieta is the guy who ripped cincinnati as a town with nothing to do.
He can sit in his hotel room all weekend with his team of Cubs chiropractors treating his neck pain.
3 and 1/3 innings and 3 dingers. Welcome to Cincinnati and GAPB Jake!
Hilarious!
Oh, and it is an hilarious comment i agree!
Hey now—
Jake had a naked photo shoot in ESPN The Magazine
Doesn’t that mean he’s awesome?
/s
Miley fast!
Well this is certainly fun to watch …
Miley looks gassed. Must be from all that baserunning.
Hope our bullpen is ready for a long stint.
That’ll do, Moose. Right on line and hard enough.
Love beating up on the Stupid Cubs!
Nice play by Moose. Votto is looking a lot better at 1B lately.
Moustakas with a throw to first that took 43 bounces. I was starting to think it wasnt going to make it there.
I predict a Farmer/Pitcher substitution with Senzel out after this AB. Feels like the Bell way.
Predictable as sunrise. Managing the Bell way is effortless. Is Farmer a better hitter or a better defender than Senzel?
Now it says Farmer for Naquin? Someday, I guess I’ll have to quit being cheap and subscribe to a good game source.
LDS
The unfathomable— no double switch. Farmer PH only
sigh…..
Every manager will make moves like this, including whomever you think is better
Situationally sure. Routinely, nearly every game? I’ll stick with the Reds needing a new manager.
“Situationally sure. Routinely, nearly every game?”
Yes. To both.
Wow. That’s wasn’t a very good play in CF. We’ll/Farmer will take it.
I seriously thought Marisnick was retired. And anyway wasn’t he a 1B? Lol
Farmer for a 1B and then to 3rd on that error. Stupid Cubs CF’er looked lost once he overplayed it.
No challenge … because Farmer beat the throw and the sloppy tag.
This is the worst Cubs team in 6-8 years. Cross them off with Pirates and Cards have issues as well
NL central isnt that good
Give winker and Farmer credit on a true bang bang play
Wow
Hopes we can enjoy a laugher against the baby bears
I notice Sadak has stopped saying “pull shift.” Thanks, John.
Now if he cuts down on the Kevin Milar “big fly” it will be another step in the right direction
Now we can use 4 relievers to get 12 outs and clear the bench so all can bat.As long as we win what’s not to like
Snow cones after the game even if they lose!
Winker hurt. Not as bad as Senzel in that regard but it is a reason to question a potential long term contract.
Ughhh…Winker lifted….was motioning to his back….might be an oblique (just my uneducated guess) Hopefully just precautionary.
Sad face and worried face emojis
I don’t know about you guys but I don’t feel this game is over gentlemen. We’d better be careful. No way we should lose this game.
I seem to recall a game or two earlier in the season where the Reds arsonist club, aka the bullpen, could not hold a 4 or 5 run lead.
Let’s hope not this time.
Sal Deleodrosian needs to go away and stay away. Still 5 run lead though. Always fun spanking the lil cubbies
Again, gentlemen! There’s no defense for a walk! Pitch to contact with a 6-run lead! And, of course the player who walked scores! Classic Reds relief pitching!
Tack some runs on….we’ll probably need them
Moving Suarez down in the order is till a good idea. One HR does not bring him out of his slump I’m afraid. When you swing for the fences every time you will hit a HR every now and then. He needs to shorten his swing a little.
Bell is obviously trying to save Sims and Antone, but I’d rather put the W in the bank then let it get scary. If 2 men get on then let Antone finish it. Hopefully Fulmer will perform?
Good play by Casty
Yep – smart play and got exactly the right angle. Then threw a bullet in to 2B.
Yes that was very nice by Castellanos
Wow risky not to run right at him. Great play anyway but not by the book.
Had the same thought … I was taught to do that and not fake throws. But it worked out anyway and they didn’t challenge it.
Bad base running. Good play by Reds.
Cubs gonna Red…heckuva play by Tucker
Oh yeah … that back hand to glove it was something.
Votto again. Another good pick.
Nice D that inning.
Don’t be putty guys on here. Come on.
putting*
That ain’t good.
Here comes Rizzo Red Killer
Thats been a strike most of the day. How very “consistent” of the umpire.
I was on the fence about robo umps for a long time, but I think its time. As long as the technology can be accurate I think its time.
Big out. Double play now.
No fastballs to Baez
Where are the Nasty Boys when you need them? Chapman? Franco?
The Baby Faced Assassin, Full Pack Cordero
hahaha! I thought that was gone for a second.
You and me both.
He can’t get the breaking ball close
Umpire squeezing us there.
yup, robo umps please
hahaha another squeeze
“looking for his third save of the night”
lol Sadak
Good line by Sadak “Sims looking for his 3rd save of the night”. Come on ump
When you don’t make a competitive pitch when you’re up in the count and continually run the count full this is what you get.
If umpires want to be called “professionals” then they need to learn how to ignore their biases.
So–I am agreeing with you that this what happens, but also lamenting that the strike zone morphs because of a human bias.
Once again the bullpen is smoking in the dynamite room.
Too close for comfort but good win.
lol, mercy
Good win, I missed all the offense and most of Miley’s day but good to see them scratch out game 1.
You can count on TA
Hung on, but it irritates me how opposing pitchers can be wild, but still get borderline pitches usually. The only time the opponent was probably squeezed all year was last week in St. Louis. A win is a win!
The 9th, in particular, was ridiculous. How many times did Sims have to strike out a guy?
Miley reminds me of Freddy Norman! Barely throws hard enough to break glass but battles and more often than not gives his team a chance to win.