The Cincinnati Reds will open up the 2022 season tonight on ESPN2 as they take on the Atlanta Braves. It’s going to be a little bit different this year as the Reds are opening up on the road due to the lockout pushing the schedule back a week. The last time that happened was 1990 and some pretty good things happened that season for Cincinnati. After back-to-back winning seasons, Cincinnati’s roster looks a lot different now – some of that is due to injuries out of the gate, but a lot of it is due to free agency and trades. The team is without Nick Castellanos, Jesse Winker, Eugenio Suárez, Tucker Barnhart, Sonny Gray, Wade Miley, and Amir Garrett. But it’s a new year and with it brings new hope – though plenty of that hope has waned already after all of the moves.
Starting Lineups
Here’s the first lineup of the 2022 season:
Cincinnati Reds
|
Atlanta Braves
|
| Jonathan India – 2B | Eddie Rosario – RF |
| Aristides Aquino – RF | Matt Olson – 1B |
| Tommy Pham – LF | Austin Riley – 3B |
| Joey Votto – 1B | Marcell Ozuna – LF |
| Tyler Stephenson – C | Ozzie Albies – 2B |
| Nick Senzel – CF | Adam Duvall – CF |
| Mike Moustakas – DH | Travis d’Arnaud – C |
| Kyle Farmer – SS | Alex Dickerson – DH |
| Brandon Drury – 3B | Dansby Swanson – SS |
| Tyler Mahle – SP | Max Fried – SP |
Starting Pitchers
Stats are from 2021.
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB% | K% |
| Tyler Mahle | 180.0 | 3.75 | 1.23 | 8.4% | 27.7% |
| Max Fried | 165.2 | 3.04 | 1.09 | 6.1% | 23.7% |
| Links: Tyler Mahle’s Stats | Max Fried’s Stats |
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Tyler Mahle
The 2021 season was a breakout one for Tyler Mahle, though the breakout probably started in 2020. But some weird stuff happened in 2021 for Mahle as he was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball when he was on the road (2.30 ERA in 18 starts), but when he pitched at home he pitched like a guy who should probably be in Triple-A (5.63 ERA in 15 starts). His splits versus lefties and righties were big, too. Mahle dominated lefties, while righties were quite good against him.
2021 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 387 | 92 | 18 | 2 | 18 | 7.8% | 24.5% | .270 | .342 | .493 |
| LHH | 372 | 66 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 9.1% | 30.9% | .198 | .276 | .297 |
Pitch Usage (in 2021)
| 4-Seam | Slider | Splitter | |
| Velo | 94.0 | 86.7 | 86.4 |
| Usage | 53.1% | 31.1% | 15.8% |
Max Fried
The lefty is one of the better starters in baseball over the last two seasons, going 21-7 in that span over 39 starts while posting an ERA of 2.84. Surprisingly, lefties hit better against him last season – though it was almost exclusively because they hit for more power than picking up more hits or walking at a much higher rate.
2021 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 497 | 102 | 21 | 0 | 10 | 5.8% | 22.7% | .223 | .277 | .334 |
| LHH | 170 | 37 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 7.1% | 26.4% | .240 | .298 | .409 |
Pitch Usage (in 2021)
| 4-Seam | Sinker | Change | Slider | Curve | |
| Velo | 94.0 | 93.5 | 84.7 | 84.7 | 74.4 |
| Usage | 39.1% | 11.4% | 2.2% | 21.7% | 25.7% |
When and Where
- Game time: 8:08pm ET
- Where: Truist Park, Atlanta
- Watch: ESPN2
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 60°, sunny, 1% chance of rain
News and Notes
Redleg Nation Roundup
The Opening Day Roster
In case you missed it, here is the Cincinnati Reds opening day roster. There are no real surprises at this point other than maybe the part where Nick Lodolo is on the taxi squad and not on the 28-man roster.
Where the Reds are projected to finish the season
We took a look around at the various project systems to see what they thought the Reds could do during the season and where they would finish. It may surprise some to find out that most put them in second or third place within in the division.
Opening up on the road just isn’t right
This morning John Ring wrote about starting on the road and how strange that happens to be before looking back at past opening days.
Around the Beat
Tyler Stephenson and Jonathan India are ready to take over
C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic wrote about who could be the next “guys” on the Reds once Joey Votto’s career is over and focuses on two guys entering their second full season – reigning Rookie of the Year Jonathan India, as well as catcher Tyler Stephenson.
Alexis Diaz, Daniel Duarte are grateful for their opportunity
Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer wrote about the two relievers who are going to be in the big leagues for the first time this year. Diaz and his brother Edwin will be the first brothers from Puerto Rico to pitch in the big leagues. Duarte, who a year ago was getting advice from the best hitting pitcher of all time – Bartolo Colon – while pitching in Mexico, has made an incredibly impressive year that’s now gotten him to the big leagues.
Welcome back Doug and RLN to the 2022 season
Go Reds!
Theres my optimism post.
+1000
Yay optimism!
Folks,
As much as I try to be an optimist about my Cincinnati Reds, I know that Bob Castellini will meddle with this team. He cannot help himself. He is incorrigible. The past 16 seasons has proven this.
Last year’s squad was an inch from the playoffs, what did Mr. “We know how it is done” do? He blew it up. Why? Because HE IS CHEAP.
Perhaps Elon Musk will come along and become principal and install a true baseball front office, one that will build a roster to win, and he as principal owner will allow his baseball people to sail the ship.
I’d say the right type of owner is Mark Cuban. But I doubt the other owners would let that happen.
In my mind there isn’t enough points for this comment. I would love Cuban to own the Reds.
It’s April 7th and the Red’s are undefeated! If you had been told in October that would be the case, think how optimistic you would have been.
There’s my optimism post.
Aquino in the 2 hole? Would’ve preferred seeing Senzel there instead. He’s a much better contact hitter and can hit behind the runner better than Aquino. Plus, I’d rather see Senzel possibly getting an extra Ab if the lineup turns over.
India, Senzel, Pham, JV, Stephenson, Moose, Aquino, Farmer, Drury would’ve been my lineup with the same players
Nice, 1st lineup critique of the year
Yeah lol, i was scrolling down looking for it. Mostly because i agree.
For heavens sake. Here’s a good idea — let’s take the worst hitters in our lineup and give them the most ABs by putting at them at the top of the lineup.
Does Bell just put on a blindfold and throws darts at names to set the balling order?
Well, it seems to have worked
Aquino hit the ball well at end of Spring Training
Exactly. Aquino showed nothing last night, which is unfortunately what I expected. Naquin earned his stripes last year.
My two major disappointments are Wink traded away and Barrera injured to start the season. But hey, baseball is being played and the Reds are on the field. Let’s go!!!!
Go Reds!!!! Baseball!!!
I remember a few years ago posts that this guy has no power he can’t play or his defense and weak arm are terrible and will be a liability. Just an overrated prospect and how stupid the Reds were to count on him. Now, trading Jesse Winker isn’t the end of the world but they can at least see the end without him.
I agree I know some posters around here think Aquuino is great but to see him in the opening day lineup makes me ill to my stomach.
To borrow a line from one of Kelsey Grammer’s worst movies …
“It’s time to kick this pig!!”
Wire to wire. You Gotta Believe!!!
So, if we have an MLB subscription, will we still be able to see the game on that? My optimism RN lol
No. You will need to have ESPN2.
Thank you, Doug.
Yes, the game is on the MLB.tv feed as long as you aren’t in a black-out area. I just confirmed that on my account.
ok and since i am litterally down the road from you…. should be fine as well
My bad. It’s audio only on MLB.tv
Sorry
Is it because it is a nationally televised game? I have MLB and I can’t seem to get a feed. It Says the feed is from ESPN2 but it won’t come up. Only can get the audio. Isn’t MLB TV supposed to be every out of market game I live in Wisconsin Not really near any market for this game.
I blame the Braves lol.
If Adam Duvall can play Center in Atlanta, he could have played Center at GABP. I’ve often wondered what might have been if we had solved our CF problem by putting him out there.
Oh, well. That’s the past. Here in the present, let’s try to do what we did the last time we opened on the road…wire to wire and a WS sweep. Go Reds!
An-tic-i-pa-a–tion
hockey overtime….hmmmmm
Pirates in mid decade form
Holy cow they are bad
Andy van Slyke Kent Tekulve might be an upgrade.
Bobby Bonilla is still being paid by the Mets. Why not?
I was watching it as well.They are terrible. Move along…. Not much to see here.
What’s this crazy talk about players after Votto? Joey Votto is forever…when he is 83 he will finally relinquish manning first base to settle into the DH role for the next 25 years at least after that. The Reds are looking to ambush Max Fried and pray that Mahle can give em 5 solid. Batting Aquino second is one way to do that. Quieting an opening day crowd…priceless.
Gotta get Aquino goin’ 😉
Aquino hitting 2nd on a major league roster. Hahahaha
They’ve outlawed shifts from next year; maybe we can get them to ban throwing breaking balls to Aquino.
Lol good one
Hahaha
Efficient 1st inning for Mahle
Senzel looks like a #2 hitter to me.
Thanks Bob Castellini for getting season going in such a positive direction. Uugghh! What would have been the harm in trying to keep most of roster intact since last year’s team narrowly missed playoffs last season and playoffs extended this season. Then, if team wasn’t winning, blow it up. Sonny Gray had a reasonable contract for a pitcher of his caliber. Idk. Sell the team Bob!!!! Always a Reds fan. However, if Bob cannot afford to put a winning product on the field then I cannot afford to buy tickets.
These posts are exhausting and add nothing to the conversation.
India and Senzel hitting 1,2. Make it happen Bell. Then leave them there.
He’ll figure it out somewhere around game #97.
+500
Farmer comes through
Of all guys to call an obvious ball a strike, it had to come against Votto? That could have been a much bigger inning with JV facing a 3-1 count leading off instead of 2-2 after a terrible call.
Senzel and stephenson and farmer gave you competitive at bats
Aquino did not
Mahle competed
Its about players who compete
India showing off the leather!!
Mahle on the road is Cy Young .
One of these announcers sounds like he’s got marbles in his mouth.
That’s Tony Perez’s son Eduardo
Thanks. I didn’t recognize him. Almost sounds like somebody with a stroke.
Dave I’ve had a stroke and don’t sound like I have marbles in my mouth.
Tommy pham big opportunity with india and AA singles
We give it to Aquino when he fails, so nice hit. More of that and some dingers and we will be happy.
Reds playing small ball. I like that
Nice AB for Pham right there
+500. Also, nice read on the sac fly by House and/or Aquino.
Reds with some really competitive at bats 1-9
Havent seen this
Senzel hit that 6-4-3 hard
Exactly. Like what I see so far.
Well, this is fun so far. The hitting and Mahle are looking good so far.
A lot of spin and movement.
Man, professional athletes can do some amazing stuff. Mahle didn’t catch that ball by accident.
A little self-redemption after the walks
Does Mahle have quick reflexes or not?
A little higher and to the left and he’d be lucky to be alive.
What the heck is it with commentators talking to our players DURING the actual game??? How is that a good thing? Give me a break. While I enjoy the banter, I cannot imagine it’s good to distract these players during games that matter.
Agreed, but he’s rocking it
It’s more. Perfection
I’m old school regarding this change to baseball as well. I don’t like it. All Star Game…fine…real game? No.
Joey mic’d up is freaking hilarious!!!
Agreed. I love it.
Joey Votto could be a brilliant announcer when he retires. He’s way better than most ex-players. Although it seems crazy to me they’re allowing a running interview while he’s trying to play.
I may be in the minority but I hope they keep it up all season.
It’s crazy but Joey was great to listen to. I was a little surprised he continued once there was a runner on first base.
Same here. Ozzy getting into it as well was awesome.
If you listen to Jim Day Podcast Joey explains how uncomfortable he is with microphones. He speaks in a manner that reminds of a person who was a stutterer as a youth.
Joey is doing a great job of still staying focused
72 pitches do they pull hm or let him go one more?
I let him pitch one more,.
Definitely let him go, his arm gets stronger as he goes
I don’t ever want to see that happen again, but Joey Votto is a genuine treasure.
And great play AA! I don’t think Castellanos makes that play.
We are about to have the bull pen tested. Let’s hope for the best, a few more runs would sure help.
Bullpen game coming up for everyone
Moose probably wouldn’t have made it to 3B, but that type of mental error in game 1 of the season?
Drury!!!! go man… Wouldn’t it be something if he had a good start to the year.
That a boy Drury.
Can’t believe I didn’t bet on Drury for the first HR of the year.
1990 comparisons?
this is a fun start but let’s slow down a bit
Yeah, a little silly by Perez
Absolutely. John Ring pointed out that 1990 was also a year when the Reds opened on the road. I’d forgotten that, but it made me certain, the minute I read it, that the Reds would win the WS this year.
Here we go. Cross our fingers.
Here we go. Need 4 solid innings.
Throw the next one at the Bull
Old School I know you remember me asking for Clint Frazier, but I had some Brandon Drury requests on RLN too. When he was in the AL! Always liked his swing
I think we’re going to be alot better vs righties this year!
@ Indy- you have a knack for that and also with relievers. You were high on Mychal Givens as well and Adam Duvall is your guy. I didnt think he had staying power with his K’s and BA but he’s been a solid outfielder for 5-6 years now and a World Series champion.
Consistent zone, even if it’s not accurate
The DH is instantly making Bell a better manager by essentially eliminating opportunities to double-switch.
+1000
+1,000
indeed
That’s where Greene needs to live, FB up in the zone
Stupid Cubs already have injuries to some key pkayers
who got hurt?
Simmons and Miley to the IL per the ticker
Did the Reds know something about Miley ? Is that why they just let him go?
I like Wilson I think he has a lot of potential being a late inning person down the road.
Sorry, no eggs on my burger
That’s the best! For a while I couldn’t eat a burger without egg.
Nice inning for Wilson
Did not realize he threw that hard.
Yikes that Strider pitcher just took it to the Reds.
How isn’t that guy starting? He has some serious stuff.
let’s hope he is wore out for a few days
That was a quick inning
What is the history on this Drury kid
That stinks
Can’t dislike a kid like Riley. Moon shot.
Every time I see Moreta I think of Roger Moret. Any old timers remember him? Let’s hope Moreta doesn’t end up like Moret. Google him sometime. Especially when he was dealt to the Rangers.
Yelp. I remember him going into a catatonic state while in the shower.
Yep. Grounds crew had to take him out in a wheelbarrow. Lol
Lol I hadn’t heard that part. LOL JB we are old.
Open with a road win … please …
Golden Sombrero for AA tonight. Hope the bullpen can close this game out.
no, definitely got on base tonight with a hit.
Really? I always thought a golden sombrero was striking out four times in a game regardless of whether you reach base or not. Learn something new everyday. Thanks Bet!
Interesting, I did to, but a golden sombrero with a guy who hit’s the game winning hit, or a grand slam to put the game out of reach, doesn’t sound like a bad game. So maybe there is a caveat that you can get a hit.
the hat trick and the golden sombrero are always considered 0fors. Therefore, when he makes the base…. and incidentally has 5 AB you gotta look at the whole thing. The 4 K looks bad, but the hit produced a run at some point so he is saved tonight.
And there we go!!
Have a great Friday, friends.
There is you’re closer, Nice Job Santillan!
The look of this years bullpen is a positive.
Great closing! That looked routine!
Santillian looked impressive.. Reds Win Overall a nice game. Lets hope it continues.
Coach Lanasa, back in high school, used to say, “You can’t win them all if you don’t win the first one.”
That’s a solid 9th for Santillan. Great way to finish off opening day. I have to say I was super happy to see some of the negative Nancys stayed on the sidelines after they got the obligatory Bell insults out of the way. Great way to start the season. Hope springs eternal.
Nice job by Santillan! Wire to Wire still in play!
Some good, some not so good, and a few surprises. The Reds beat a good LH’er, something we didn’t get to say often last year. Bell didn’t pull any of the starters despite the L/R change. Pitching was good or at least decent across the board, though they walked too many. First place.
Bell didn’t pull any starters? There might be hope. ?
Easily overlooked crucial AB of the game – Pham, down 0-2 worked a 7-pitch walk to load the bases for Joey, after two bloop hits. Took the wind out of Fried for a crucial moment, and kept the order rolling to get Fried out of the game.