The Cincinnati Reds (72-63) are down to 27 games remaining in the baseball season as they cling to 0.5 game lead for the final playoff spot in the National League. The Reds will begin a three game series with the Detroit Tigers (63-72) at GABP tonight at 7:10 PM.
The Tigers might have the exact opposite record as the Reds and be 9-games below .500, but make no mistake about it – this will be one of the most difficult series remaining on the calendar for the Reds. The Tigers are 23-21 in the second half despite some recent struggles. The Tigers are 5-11 in their last 16 games. Many of those recent struggles were due to a slumping offense, but they’ve scored 14 runs in the last two games. The three SP the Reds will face this weekend have an ERA as a starter of 4.00, 3.50 and 3.59.
Starting Pitchers
Vladimir Gutierrez was rolling before his last start in Miami. He only lasted 3 innings allowing 5 runs (some bad luck sprinkled in there), but prior to that was dominating. Gutierrez had a 1.67 ERA/2.70 FIP in his first 5 starts in August. He was also missing more bats with an 8.63 K/9 rate. This will be his first career appearance against the Tigers.
There is nothing that scares Reds fans more than a mediocre soft-tossing lefty. Reds fans will get just that with Tyler Alexander tonight. You might remember Alexander as the guy who tied an AL record when he struck out 9 straight Reds batters in relief last year – in game the Reds actually still won. He started this year in the Tigers bullpen. He made one spot start earlier in the season, but got moved to the rotation full time on July 17th. He has been more successful as a SP (4.00 ERA), but typically does not go very deep in the game. His starts have been 3.1, 3.2, 4.0, 4.0, 5.1, 5.0, 7.0 and 2.2.
Starting Lineups
| Tigers | Reds |
| 1. Akil Baddoo (CF) 2. Jonathan Schoop (2B) 3. Robbie Grossman (LF) 4. Miguel Cabrera (1B) 5. Jeimer Candelario (3B) 6. Harold Castro (SS) 7. Victor Reyes (RF) 8. Dustin Garneau (C) 9. Tyler Alexander (P) |
1. Jonathan India (2B) 2. Tyler Stephenson (C) 3. Nick Castellanos (RF) 4. Joey Votto (1B) 5. Eugenio Suarez (3B) 6. Kyle Farmer (SS) 7. Aristides Aquino (LF) 8. Delino DeShields (CF) 9. Vladimir Gutierrez (P) |
The Tigers overall offensive numbers don’t look great (they are really lacking that one or two great hitters), but they have a lineup full of solid hitters. Akil Baddoo has a 114 wRC+ and 14 SB. Jonathan Schoop has a 104 wRC+ and 18 HR. Robbie Grossman has a 114 wRC+, 20 HR and 15 SB. Jeimer Candelario batting 5th is probably their best overall player, and he has a 115 wRC+ and a .351 OBP. Miguel Cabrera got off to a miserable start to the season, but he has been really good over last 60 games: .292/.353/.472 with a 123 wRC+. The Tigers also have a catcher, Eric Hasse with 19 HR in less than 300 PA this season on the bench tonight. One thing of note is that with the Tigers not having a DH this weekend, Cabrera get shifted from usually being the DH to 1B and Schoop from 1B to 2B.
The Reds are going with the same lineup that scored 12 runs in their last game. The Reds could really use guys like Suarez, Aquino and DeShields to step up and hit LHP.
News and Notes
The Cincinnati #Reds could send Jesse Winker on a rehab assignment to Triple-A at some point next weekhttps://t.co/PMCYxqIbSr
— Redleg Nation (@redlegnation) September 3, 2021
It is with great regret that I will not be able to attend this year’s Baseball Hall of Fame induction after testing positive for COVID. Fortunately, I have been vaccinated, otherwise doctor said I would be hospitalized.
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) September 3, 2021
Conclusion
I thought back earlier today to just how many times in my Reds fandom that I would have done anything for the Reds to be in a playoff race into September. This team is certainly not perfect and has flaws, but just how fun as that team been to watch all season? Sit back, relax and enjoy as the Reds make this playoff push. Go Reds!
Rest and get well Johnny #5
Go Redlegs. Grab those Tiggers by the tail and take them out!
Oh my! Were you a fan of Buck Owens and the Buckeroos? For years I hid the fact they were the one country/ western band I enjoyed, I suspect because in many ways they were more western than country to my ear at least. 😉
And yes, best always to #5
No, not a Buck Owens fan. And notice I used 2 G’s in TIGGERs 🙂
I just figured the spelling was auto spell 😉 and I’ve already been to YouTube and played Tiger By the Tail x2
I developed an appreciation only last year for Buck Owens after rediscovering him. He was quite the songwriter no matter what music you like, try the clever little tune “Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass”…
Interesting quote from Peter gammons on The Athletic.
“I’ve covered Major League Baseball for 50 years, and with every year I am more firmly entrenched in the realization that it’s not about numbers, it’s not about owners, it’s not about concessions, it’s about Bryce Harper playing like he’s 15, Tatis loving every minute of it, Jonathan India in the role of Pete Rose.”
Wife is a tigers fan, I am a reds fan. Reds must win this series for bragging rights
I’m sorry … hope your marriage can survive the weekend sweep 🙂
The athleticism of the Al central always gives us a lot of problems
Maybe this is why the Al Central teams seem to have not having a DH figured out while the Reds can’t seem to figure out having a DH?
I really like the what you said in the Conclusion, Nick. Appreciate the reminder that being in contention and playing competitive baseball is something to cherish. Go Reds!
I second that sentiment about the conclusion. Excellent graphic of the contenders also, Nick.
Reds have lost 3 series in a row.
If you lose 4 in a row and cant beat the Marlins, Tigers, and Cards in a pennant race-then maybe you arent worthy.
Rest may help a tired team so hopefully they come out firing.
I dont like Bell with a 28 man roster. Suarez, Farmer, Aquino, Deshields, Gutierrez looks like a long way back to the top of order. Hopefully, GABP rescues the Reds and someone in that 5-8 hole leaves the yard.
Yep. dog days of August didn’t really hit them that hard till the last week but then it got them good.
I still think the pivotal moment, aside from the pen meltdown in Milwaukee, was Moose out there not even getting plays on those three playable looking grounders in the 1st inning Saturday on Miami. For good measure, Barnhart also had the CI and Farmer waved an uncharacteristic olé at a ball that was at least blockable in the inning. No further damage came from Farmer’s play as I recall but along with the 5 runs, it cemented the mood. Plus of course, Moose took his 3 pitch K in the top of the 2nd before declaring himself out of action.
I went to the game when Vlad pitched a gem with TS catching and moose hit a big HR to sweep the marlins.
Moose was HUGE in a bad way and slow. Worth watching Vlad and TS work vs Vlad and TB.
OK, here we go …
A little too much launch angle there …
Same for the other Rook
Looked like a pitch around Miggy to me … anybody else?
That was a kiss the ring pitch around
Even if the boomer was avoided, it messed it all up anyway.
Pitching around isnt good if you make an error and then give up a double
Solo HR arent the worst thing
Reds need to decide now if they want to play in the post season because they’ve pretty much not shown up for about 10 days.
You right.Solo homers will not beat you but that other stuff will.
Very sad and very true statement. My wife told me that every time I say an opposing team isn’t very good, we get hammered. So maybe it’s me …
Reds not coming out like is expected.They are at home,slept in their own bed and had a day off yesterday.Long way to go but not a good start.
Walk and then an error.Come on Vladi.No time for this stuff.
ARGH!!!!!
Walk,error and then a 0-2 double for 2 runs.This is all on the pitcher get somebody up now.Vladi is not in the game.
It’s going to be one of those nights that Sadak’s jabbering will get on my nerves … a LOT.
Mark- what’s he saying? why dont you hit mute? I literally hit mute 2 months ago and dont listen? You do know there’s a mute button on the remote control?
Then I’d miss Larkin and the ballpark noise … if it gets too bad I switch to WLW audio.
Tonight, he’s “making a point” by saying something 3-4 different ways right in a row. It’s just the typical stuff …
His diarrhea of the mouth started first thing this game …. it’s very aggravating . He cannot shut his mouth for 20 seconds .
If the Reds have any chance to win this game…its going to depend on the offense of a guy who is having the worst season of any player in years , a career minor league SS, a left fielder hitting .185 since the start of 2020 and a waiver claim son of the first base coach.
Yikes
Go Reds.
Sad but true but our first 4 guys have won a lot of games all by themselves so we have to hope it happens again
Farmer is a career minor league Shortstop?
Sorry…a 31 yo career minor league journeyman who’s hit a baseball for 1 month -July 2021 – and nothing else. Good back up bench player in 1 season.
If you’re calling Farmer a minor leaguer your credibility is questionable from here on out.
He and Larkin both babble to much for me. This team has not played like a playoff team as of late, losing 6 of 9, times must change.
Perhaps it will be a Sam LeCure night in the booth … it always gets better when he’s there.
I can’t believe management’s hasn’t told the booth to tone it down. They’re insufferable.
Somebody must have. He finally shut up about the dancing to the Miami Valley ads. Its a lot better when LeCure or Welch are in the booth with them.
Comment edited for language. We don’t use that word here, Jim.
85 and 86 MPH just baffles our hitters.I just find that amazing.I wonder if they even think about hitting the ball the other way or up the middle.
Short answer: no. Except perhaps Stephenson. The concept is foreign to the rest of the lineup.
That’s why the shift works so well against this team. They refuse to hit the other way. Naquin has done it a few times – I haven’t seen anyone else do it purposely.
BTW – what do you think Pete Rose would have done against an infield shift???
Bunted or slapped it … and raised is BA considerably in the process.
Suarez no smack talking mode engaged…. there we go
Geno! Keep it going, man….
Crushed a rainbow there … that helps.
Geno en fuego!!
I can see .180 right around the corner!!
Eugenio goes deep on 84.Not fooling him at all.
That was a nice swing by Geno. He stayed back, and kept his head on it.
Don’t understand why Aquino continues to play – he can’t hit a freaking lick ! I’d rather see Naquin against a lefty . Aquino has ZERO business starting !!!!!!!
Aquino has no business on any major league roster. I’m willing to bet if he gets cut no one will come calling.
But But he is the Punisher! Some people thought he could replace Castellanos when he left. Lol
Why does Bell keep throwing Aqiuno out there. I can’t remember the last time he hit the ball hard, please start Lopez.
Here’s a fun question to ponder – how long before Geno’s average is higher than Aquino’s??
Ian guessing Monday or Tuesday.
Aquino is playing cause winker is injured. Thats it. Got one back. Only need one more
Or Vlad can just give the run back
Late to the party folks! I see Vlad has been his own worst enemy so far with a WALK and a THROWING ERROR! Time to FOCUS & PERFORM! Every pitch, every play in the field and every at bat! Hope things improve moving forward!
And a cement mixer …
Cannot lose to AAAA teams like this … especially at home to a pitcher who can’t break an egg
I really like Vlad but his last 2 starts have been less than optimal. Now nearly 50 pitches and 3 runs surrendered! Good Grief Charlie Brown! Really don’t want to bail to watch the UCF – Boise State football game I have recorded, but I may. This, and ALL of the remaining 27 games are important but this team seems to have lost its focus since sweeping the Fish i a 4 games series a couple weeks ago! And, yes, I know Winker is out but somebody, anybody needs to step up and replace his offensive production!
The Reds are giving away this season, they just seem to be a tired team, hope things change soon.
absolute garbage from the rookies…. expect more from them then this
Gonna have to get Vlad out – see enough of his batting practice – pathetic
Loss coming – absolutely awful . reds folding like a tent with 27 games to go- at home to a pitiful Detroit team on top of that .
no Detroit is legit. Horrible April but if you remove that its near 500 ball
No Vlads done, this is sestemic. He has run out of his season gas. Need to get someone up or give Hoffman some of his starts in the future
Time to Clete and go watch something else. Vlad is throwing batting practice and we can’t hit worth spit tonight (again). Even Sam LeCure Luck didn’t play there.
Time to get Greene up here and give him Some of Vlad’s innings. This guy has hit a wall .
David bell finally with the relatively early hook. Managing with purpose. If the bullpen can hold it down three runs should be recoverable
Another mediocre lefty pulling a Cy Young candidate stunt. So much for the strength of schedule theory.
I think Bell is making a good move here. Vlad may have hit a wall, sadly the other rookies aren’t doing much lately either. I’m trying to stay positive but this will be 5 out of 6 at a terrible time, unless offense wakes up.
Bell made the right move but its time for this offense to respond and score some runs.No need to call it any other way.We must score some runs not only tonight but every night cause everybody that has any lefty is going to put him out there.
What does it say about the collapse of this offense that Geno Suarez is this weeks 2nd best hitter?
Votto is tired and overplayed 43/45 games? Who woulda thunk at age 38 in September?
There are 5 left fielders since Winker got hurt. There are 3 center fielders including a waiver claim of the first base coach’s son.
Moustakis is old and injured and a terrible 3b and 30 pounds overweight but he plays because Castellanos taught Bell day 1 what happens when he benches a veteran who has more skins on the wall.
Farmer has had 1 good month plus some good at bats and defense against lefties but is still who he is…a good bench player and not an everyday SS while the future SS who has every skill this team needs rots in AAA.
Bell and Krall have destroyed the chemistry of this team. It’s back to 2019/20 handedness matchups and rotations with no rhythm or continuity or offensive identity. Sending Barrero to AAA and signing the minor league son of the 1st base coach who then starts in CF having never played a game for the Reds sent a message to the team its 52 card pick up again.
It’s also time to replace Vlad in the rotation. Hes done well but its winning time.
It should be obvious to everyone that Bell’s not the guy but many here defend him vociferously. The DeShields signing tells you everything you need to know about Reds management. In my view, if this was what they were going to do, then bring up Enciarte instead of releasing him. Just not a winning organization.
You can only ride the same horses so long.Reds need the top 4 guys to hit every night to even have a chance and when they don’t well they don’t.
Bell has obviously sent these guys up with instructions to run up the pitch count. On that they are succesful
Great at bat for Geno.
Geno looks different
That could be what this team needs.
We need him and maybe just maybe this can be the start of something good.
and it worked. I know we didn’t get any runs but we burned this guy out in the 4th. Right-hander into the game
This is the way these games will be played from now on even when we face teams that are out of it.The other teams will not roll over and just keep a guy out there.I send Naquin out to hit right here.
I know Bell doesn’t have a crystal ball, but Votto’s splits this year on lefties is horrid. We saw the Lester game, so why not give him the extra day against another soft throwing lefty, play moose at first, or Stephenson and have Barnhart catch.
Naquin pinch hits for Aquino…understands hes a replaceable widget and pops up and slams his bat.
It didn’t work but it was the right move.Memo to Reds dugout.Your manager is trying and I mean trying to win this game tonight.Time to back him up
Bell should have stuck with AA. Not even mid-game and he’s pulling the L/R stunt again. Giving up defense with less chance for the HR.
I see your point but I just don’t think we are going to get many chances so I was ok with it.Reds are just asleep at the plate with only 2 hits in 4 turns.
Hope Suarez gets some offensive help. He can’t do it alone.
You know I can’t ever remember hearing that this year.Guess we have fell off the cliff at the plate.
India….. love you…. we are back in this
The betting line has him favored to win the ROY. If he doesn’t, it’ll be highway robbery.
I am not a big fan of Bell, but he is doing all ha can tonight, players need to respond. That will help India.
He is firing and I love it.No need to not go for it.Use the whole pen and every bench player.Worry about tomorrow when we get there.Go Reds
India 2-run blast. That helps. Down by 1.
Bell is trying to pull the right strings but they all seem to be broken! Shows how much Winker means to this offense.
Strock appearing to be a bright spot.
Suarez looks ready to play baseball
Moose doesn’t
I would DFA Aquino(assuming the obvious Akiyama cant) and bring up barrero to play SS every day and Suarez 3B every day. Farmer is my super sub and spell Suarez/Barrero/Votto/ and LF once week.
This team cant rotate 28 guys the final 3 weeks . Farmer is the only guy who can do that. Get Winker back next week and go with it.
I highly doubt Winker will be next week. Wish he was.
Rehab next weekend.
2weeks
Yes
I’m beginning to fear it will be too late by then … 🙁
Time for Blastellanos — I hope
Not what I had in mind, but I’ll take it — Let’s go!
C’mon Geno, if you’re really back, you need to come through here!
Welp.
Well he got this week’s home run. I guess a strikeout with runners in scoring position was to be expected.
Turn the page, man. I can predict every comment you make on this site. Suarez could go 4 for 5 with 4 homers and I can guarantee you would talk about the out he made.
I’m consistent because Suarez is consistent. I’m not a fan of mediocrity especially when they are paid millions to play a game. Nor am I enamored of players based on their past performances. Produce or hit the streets, same as the real world.
Votto was so hot now he looks 38 all of a sudden. He needs Sunday off against another lefty, needed to get that run home.
Suarez giving more competitive at bats..Sadly- hes this rosters best chance to dent the opposing team beyond India/castellanos/Stephenson against lefties this week,
Votto looks old. Can’t catch up to the fastball. The future Hall of Farmer ain’t posing and doing the Salsa lately. Moustakis flat out stinks.
Bullpen in to put game on ice
See ya wild card – little league stuff right there
What is that. what is that garbage. Why is Mooses Fat butt in a game. I am in better shape than him. Now we are going to waste a givens use
Reds could lose this series or get swept.
Gregory Soto is in the bullpen and if Reds cant hit soft lefties….
Moose does stink because hes old and injured.
Akimaya Stinks
Aquino Stinks
Reds season is on the brink against a not terrible tigers team.
Bell and Krall and Castellini need to look at the stands. It’s Friday night football and no one is there. Better bring up Greene and Barrero and give a reason for fans to come. This version of your team wont play.
I had praised Bell, I was to early. Why go to Wilson and why leave Moose in the game. Looks like this one has gotten away.
Hope we didn’t give up much to get Justin Wilson. I’m climbing on the Moreta bandwagon; at least until he gets called up and trained by the existing BP roster how to give up runs. They can’t have Moreta showing them up.
gave up a A ball pitcher that was not in the reds top 30…. so…. let you judge it there
Turnout the light the party’s’ over – what a choke job
Ok if givins is giving up Homeruns then this game was just meant to be lost. Get into keeping everyone healthy mode here and salvage the series tomorow
Can we talk about infield defense yet???
Farmer ain’t bad, but is somewhat limited in range. Moose at 3B is a statue.
How might this game be different right now if the Reds had different personnel on the infield?? I won’t mention any names, but …. His initials are Jose Barrero.
so he could come up and not have any hits again… no thanks. Moose should never have been put in the game. Suarez is holding his own defensivly
Holding his own, you say??
Suarez is -6 defensive runs saved. He ranks 31st among major league 3rd basemen. While there may be others who are worse, I doubt there are very many who are worse.
You are correct about Moose – he shouldn’t be in this game.
No, those stats include his time at short which, no was not good.
Gas cans on that bullpen gonna burn GAPB to the ground tonight
Givens has been hit hard in last games
Those who cleted early may have been on to something ….
Not the Reds baseball I like to see.
Moustakas right now is the most ineffective player that I have ever seen on the Reds. And I remember Dante Bichette as a Red.
You would think that he would have enough pride to admit he is still hurt and go on the IL.
This is a bad game.
3 lost series in a row and Tigers thump you at home with a Bell handedness AAAA lineup with early substitutions and a rookie pitcher and bad bullpen. Is it really an accident the Tigers are beating the Reds?
I really thought this team had that special chemistry of young and old, hard nosed and clutch. ( except for the bullpen) Boy it sure looks like fools gold now. We’re gonna have to scrap and rely on other teams to make the Wild Card. But with 1 game against the Giants or Dodgers does it really matter?
Not our night, certainly not our season. But some encouraging signs for the near future from what these old eyes can see
Ridiculous. What a nightmare.
Clete.
That’s it for tonight. I guess Reds fans are pulling for Houston tonight
Meltdown again by the pen.Just awful again.I gave props early to Bell but why is Moose in the game?He can’t move for goodness sake?
Can’t handle their own business at home –
Nobody to blame but themselves – wildcard slipping away fast
It might not have mattered, but I feel like this game changed on the Votto at bat. Had the Reds tied or taken the lead things might have been different.
I agree – huge turning point
67 – 95 would be better than 85 – 77. Could have drafted top 5 rather than 20 or so. NC gone. Could have traded him. stuck with 2 3 baggers with nagative production.
Votto can’t really hit power pitchers any more. If they pound him in, at his hands or higher, he is overmatched.
Maybe but 3 relievers to get 3 outs and they give up 8 hits and 6 runs.Smoke and mirrors.
Two consecutive poor starts for Vlad. Anyone else worried he may have hit a wall here in September? He has thrown a lot of innings this season.
The Reds are 1-5 since replacing Jose Barrero with Asdrubal Cabrera.
And while we all watch the bullpen implode, Mr Moreta continues to reside in Louisville, along with his ERA of 0.00 in 20 innings since joining the Bats.
A team battling for a playoff spot can’t have a week like the Reds have had, losing 5 of 6 and really not looking good at all. They need to win the next two, but with Mahle going tomorrow I don’t like their chances. I have said for a long time the Cardinals would pass them and now they are tied in the loss column. Oh well the more things change the more they remain the same.
For better or worse, this team has pretty much exactly mirrored Joey Votto’s season. When he’s going good, they are good, when he’s not, they are not.
Reds just have too many flaws.If not for the top 4 guys in the lineup and a weak division we would be looking to next year already.Flaws have to be fixed in the off season and we have young pieces going forward and some starting pitching depth to trade.Just can’t go into next season with a bunch of DH’s and try to make position players out of them.Just won’t work.Reds need to get younger and more athletic.
Just looked… let’s hope the tigers getting all their runs today. Padres have Arietta on the mound to start against HOU. Putting that in the loss column already. Miami crushing the Phillies and The cardinals will still be 1.5 out. can take the loss today
I’m out for the season RLN
Thanks Doug but the Reds didnt get a lefty reliever in June when it was obvious Garret/Osich/Doolittle and Perez were awful
They didnt get a righty reliever either till it was too late.
They didnt get a top righty bat like CJ Cron when it was obvious they needed one.
They sent Barrero to the minors and played Farmer as the everyday SS when hes not. Ill be back rooting for 2022 once the necessary failures happen the next few weeks.
Go reds.
See you in October
Any time I think I have become the most negative Reds’ fan ever, it is comforting to know I can always come here to find scores of in-game comments that make me appear to be Mr. Positive. As Nick Kirby suggests, let’s enjoy the fact our Reds are still playing meaningful games in September.
and will be playing a meaningful game tomorrow as well. Prob still with the WC2 spot
Good one
Second third less than one out again and again and again this season … WASH , RINSE , REPEAT …. PITIFUL !!!!!’
Got to be league’s WORST !!!
Meant less than 2 outs … lol
If this game doesn’t wakeup the Reds, nothing will this season. When the 10 day period is up, bring up Barrero and play him. Naquin should be in left field, until Winker returns, and then in centerfield regardless whose pitching.
Twice tonight 2nd and 3rd one out and score zero runs this team is tired or chocking. To be honest Detroit looks like the better team, younger and much more athletic.
Bad AB there by India. The situation called for a single. But he went Full Suarez and swung for the fences. Missed strike 3 by 2 feet.
All of their swings (except Schrock’s) have gotten too long.
No leadership, I’m sure Tinkerbell has made a note to bench Schrock for the next two weeks, he got two hits in a row, that’s a no no.
Hoffman – mop up duty should be his only role going forward … he ain’t it !!!!!
Seeing exactly why he can’t stick with any team right now ….
Reds have 4 or 5 good hitters but none are home run hitters.They just sometimes hit homers and that at times works against them.Down 6 runs you are just trying to get on base cause a 6 run homer ain’t going to happen.Those 2 runs make it a 4 run game with three innings left.I would have to go look but I would imagine we have been out homered at home.Mahle gives up a bunch and none on the road so it does play against us.Personally thats whats been wrong with Eugenio.He thinks he is a home run hitter and he really isn’t.
Votto, farmer not like this thread here. Not giving up
Amir for an inning and then a position player pitching
Cookie time for the Reds.Game has been over after the 6 run melt down.I use Garrett here and tell him he has to get 6 outs even if his arm falls off.Reds have lost for so long they just don’t know how to win.Somebody said earlier about the Reds playing meaningful baseball well you know.
Garrett = D F A > Cannot help this team one bit
just awful !
Looking at the crowd on TV. I’m amazed there are still that many witnesses hanging around the crime scene.
they are there for Miggy
Fireworks Friday