Tonight’s game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds is only available to watch on AppleTV+. You don’t need to pay to watch, but you will need to download the app and create a (free) account, so get to it early if you want to watch the home debut of Hunter Greene and not miss a pitch as the team tries to stop their 9-game losing streak. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40pm.
Starting Lineups
Here are your lineups for tonight’s NL Central showdown:
St. Louis Cardinals
|
Cincinnati Reds
|
| Dylan Carlson – RF | Kyle Farmer – SS |
| Paul Goldschmidt – 1B | Brandon Drury – DH |
| Tyler O’Neill – LF | Tommy Pham – LF |
| Nolan Arenado – 3B | Joey Votto – 1B |
| Corey Dickerson – DH | Nick Senzel – CF |
| Tommy Edman – 2B | Aristides Aquino – RF |
| Lars Nootbaar – CF | Alejo Lopez – 2B |
| Edmundo Sosa – SS | Aramis Garcia – C |
| Andrew Knizner – C | Colin Moran – 3B |
| Steven Matz – SP | Hunter Greene – SP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB% | K% |
| Steven Matz | 8.2 | 7.27 | 1.50 | 2.6% | 28.2% |
| Hunter Greene | 10.1 | 4.35 | 1.07 | 4.8% | 31.0% |
| Links: Hunter Greene’s Stats | Steven Matz’s Stats |
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Hunter Greene
The right-handed rookie starter is making his home debut tonight against the Cardinals. He’s been good through his first two starts this season, not walking many hitters and striking out a bunch of them. He’s given up a few home runs and has been a fly ball pitcher thus far, so keep an eye on that in a ballpark where fly balls tend to land in seats (though maybe the humidor factor comes into play now).
2021 Splits (Minor Leagues)
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 274 | 53 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 7.3% | 34.7% | .215 | .288 | .336 |
| LHH | 164 | 33 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 11.6% | 26.8% | .229 | .323 | .396 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 100.0 | 86.9 | 90.2 |
| Usage | 65.7% | 23.8% | 10.5% |
Steven Matz
Another day for the Reds and another lefty on the mound. Matz doesn’t have splits between lefties and righties, but that may not actually be all that true. Teams avoid many lefties in the lineups against him, so he’s typically only facing the best lefty hitters in the game who aren’t going to sit on the bench. Matz doesn’t walk many hitters and he’s handed out just one free pass in his two starts this season. He has given up plenty of hits so far, though, with 12 of them in just 8.2 innings.
2021 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 502 | 121 | 21 | 1 | 16 | 6.8% | 20.1% | .261 | .319 | .408 |
| LHH | 145 | 37 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 6.2% | 29.7% | .276 | .324 | .396 |
Pitch Usage
| 2-Seam | Slider | Change | Curve | |
| Velo | 94.5 | 89.7 | 85.2 | 78.1 |
| Usage | 46.7% | 9.9% | 25.7% | 17.8% |
When and Where
- Game time: 6:40pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: AppleTV+
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 74°, partly cloudy, 15% chance of rain
News and Notes
Lucas Sims activated, Hendrix optioned to Triple-A
The Cincinnati Reds activated Lucas Sims prior to the game today and optioned Ryan Hendrix to Triple-A Louisville.
Big praise for Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo
Eno Sarris from The Athletic wrote about some of the young pitchers around the game this season and that of course includes Reds rookies Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. The two guys are quite different – one is a right and the other is a lefty. Greene throws a 4-seamer, while Lodolo throws a 2-seamer. One thing they have in common, though, is that they both have the best fastball in baseball to this point in the season according to the Stuff+ metric (Greene with the 4-seamer, Lodolo with the 2-seamer). It’s a real interesting read that you should be sure to check out.
Around the Nation
The Reds never called Nick Castellanos
Former Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos told Chris Rose that the Cincinnati Reds never called him this offseason after he opted to become a free agent. We took a look at what he said about that, but also have the full video of where he talks about a whole litany of things with Rose for 46 minutes.
The Cincinnati Reds Way: Farm-To-Table
Yesterday saw Richard Fitch take a look at the Cincinnati Reds way, or at least the way they seem to want to go, and how it’s not likely going to be enough.
Around the Beat
The Losing Streak – By the Numbers
Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer took a look at just how bad things have been during the current 9-game losing streak….. and it’s worse than you probably imagined.
The Reds, entering Friday with a 2-11 record, have been outscored 59-18 during their losing streak. They’ve never held a lead at the end of an inning. They’re hitting .167 and the pitching staff holds a 6.93 ERA.
Yikes.
Not call Nick….who cares….didn’t expect them to. Would he help this bunch?…No….they are going to wait on those teens in the minors. Be another 3 years…Personally I will root for who we have and I think the future looks good.
“…the future looks good.” We have been hearing this since the castellini clan took over in 2006. Good luck!
The DH is not batting 9th tonight! Is Bell sick and someone else made out the lineup card?
As much as I used to love watching the Reds, I think I will cut the grass tonight,
The Red’s lineup is made up of leftovers, retreads, over-the-hills, and the underperforming. A typical lineup under the castellini regime. The regime that proclaimed that it knew how “it is done.”
Does this lineup produce at least 5 hits tonight?
I will be watching on Apple TV tonight. I want to watch Hunter Greene pitch.
Send us your tired, your mediocre or even less
The still yearn to play in the Major Leagues
And they will start for us
Even though they hit below the Mendoza line – Motto of the Cincinnati Res
Truth.
I’m having to sit thru 15 minutes of Apple + Updates 🙁
Still can’t get over the lack of offensive production. Someone compared this team to the 1982 Reds. I looked back over some stats for that team, and while I was only three years old, I can pretty much tell that at least on paper they were more competitive than this bunch. Hunter Greene is the only reason to watch this team. That’s 5 innings out of every 45.
When the Reds have the home grown talent to compete, then its time to spend money on guys like Nolan Arenado or Nick Castellanos. Suarez and Gray and Akiyama and Miley and Tucker are no longer Reds and thank goodness. Moose is the gift that keeps on the giving.
Hey, the draft since Stephenson looks good and even 2020 pick Hendrick is now raking in low A and Chase Petty was dominant last night. Williamson and Phillips pitch tonight and McClain and De La Cruz are progressing. Barrero and Solano and India are getting healthy, Sims is back and Stephenson will be back. Don’t forget about Antone in 2023. Move forward with the future.
That Cards lineup is not overwhelming and the Cards owe Matz/Dejong/and Goldschmidt a ton of money the next 3 years. Unfortunately, Arenado is one of the games greats.
Go Hunter and Go Reds!
The Reds will make Steven Katz look like Jim Kaat in his prime.
They will be lucky to score 2 runs through the 6 plus innings that Katz pitches.
Steven Matz, not Steven Katz. Whatever.
We are going to be well under 500. Deal with it and watch how the young guys progress
Thankfully this is the last time we will have to suffer the Apple plus treatement
I would not be surprised that the Castellini’s and other owners get more money for the game being shown on Apple TV.
We should stop being delusional. The Reds WILL NOT win a World Series again until the Castellini’s sell.
Hendrix to AAA instead of Strickland? Am I mistaken or has Strickland given up runs every single time he pitches? But of a head scratcher there, at least to me.
Let’s go Reds Streak ends tonight!!!
Well the good news is last time I checked AZ was batting .166 so we’re not dead last in average. 🙂
Clearly Hunter Greene’s twitter plea for fan support was led By Reds FO recognizing advance ticket sales for this series woeful.
There’s no one at the game.
By the cheering, it sounds like all Cardinal fans.
you noticed that too
Are you telling me that Apple + does not even have a strike zone… if you are unable to do what is necessary to Broadcast games… DONT BID on it.
Cards obviously swinging early on fastball
3 hitters, 5 pitches.
OK what is going on 96 mph fastballs?
Hunter 95/96
He was wearing out at the end of his last 2 starts, maybe it’s the strategy, take a bit more off, improved control? The improved control doesn’t seem to be there though. I’m just concerned it’s something else.
3 walks so far. If that’s the strategy it’s not working.
Well, I waited 15 minutes for Apple Plus to update, and now Nowhere do I find MLB Network or the game or sports of any kind. I’m not completely computer illiterate but I AM frustrated enough to say “FORGET IT”
I uploaded apple TV. Free trial for 7 days
At the top of the app, you can select sports.
I must have an older version of Apple TV. There is no “Sports” to select. I’ve done a search under “Sports” MLB” Cincinnati” no luck. Thanks anyway
The Cards are being patient. Greene needs to attack.
Video is about a second behind audio. Totally annoying. I can hear the ump call the pitch or the ball is hit as the pitcher is winding up.
absolute unprofessional… so thankful that this is the last time apple can screw this up
They finally found the strike zone box for Senzels at bat
smh, I really hope that MLB is taking notes and does not allow such incompetence when they are outsourcing their games next season
I was wondering if it was just the mlb.tv feed. It’s really annoying but the broadcast is unlistenable anyway. The camera wasn’t even on Pham on the strikeout pitch.
I know. They showed Drury and then Pham walking back to the dugout. Lol
The synching problem is really annoying. Hearing a foul ball while the pitcher is starting his wind up.
it on the commercials as well…
That’s a three-game hitting streak for Joey
I like that Lopez kid, maybe his is a AAAA player, but I like rooting for him.
Kids plays hard.
Wow! We just had a guy go from 1st to third on a single to left. Never seen that.
Colin Moran….sigh
I like Lopez… a good contact hitter would use him as a number 9 hitter now we have the DH. PLease PLease tell me Moran is on a minor league deal
Moran is on a major league deal but has an option I believe . With the MLB minimum salary raise, the differential between his guarantee and the MLB minimum isnt that much.. The Reds just dont have enough healthy players
Well reds have 4 hits. A positive. ?
Moran and Aquino have to go period.
Agree, McClain would can do no worse. Play Freidl too
what handed batter is McClain??
Matt McLain bats right-handed.
He is a right handed hitter and they should move him up asap. It sure couldn’t hurt.
Greene had a tough first inning but has settled in.
Cant win if you dont score and this offense with Moran against a lefty and Aquino non- competitive at bats and Drury at DH is just awful.
Aquino is getting regular at bats and is just awful…
That’s means hes going yard soon.
I will say one thing about Aquino is he is putting the ball in play at least. Would that be baby steps?
Lost the strike zone box again. Jeesh this is terrible.
going to a cookout so i will not have to suffer this for much longer lol
Why pull Greene? He has to learn to get out his jams. I have more confidence in him than Hoffman.
Bell has him on a 65 pitch count limit
He never got over 97 today. Concerned.
Concerned Greene’s arm may be hurting.
Why bring Hoffman in that position smh that was bad call to bring him in who hasn’t been that good
Maybe because at 1-0 the game was already out of reach? Sorry – couldn’t resist.
Glad I wasn’t the only one w/ the audio being so out of sync. Seems fixed… my screen blipped a few times and it corrected. They must have been aware. But agree, Apple is a solid “F” grade for coverage. These announcers at least better than the clown show from the other time they were on.
Goldschmidt 4-11 off Hoffman coming in…..Bell all over the favorable numbers as usual. Favorable if you’re betting the other team
3-0. We can’t cover that. Streak continues.
When is RLN going to realize that Senzel sucks? Even if he miraculously started hitting then you absolutely 100% know what will happen next.
Not to mention he has a Shogo level subpar arm so any medium flyball to CF is a sac fly. Hard to believe he ever played 3B with that arm.
Sad that Greene wasn’t able to get out of the inning. The rookie has to learn, plus only 66 pitches.
My questions are when will this losing streak end and at what point do you have to fire Bell just for the sake of doing something?
Bell isn’t going anywhere. They gave him an extension and the front office is to cheap to fire him
Agree, Bell is not fireable until they decide they are ready to compete again. I’m sure Bob C told him he can keep his seat as long as he doesn’t complain to the media.
To be fair, the Minor trade proves they’re willing to waste a LOT of money just for the sake of appearing to be something. Hiring a cheap replacement manager would be a much smaller waste of money than that trade. Have some faith!
Can’t disagree with your logic on how illogical the Reds are willing to be! Good call J
The Reds have found a way to make up for the fact pitchers don’t hit anymore by fielding a lineup of guys whose lines suggest they practice hitting as often as pitchers.
This season is OVER.
Time to stop watching this team through the lens of winning this year and time to start over and watch through the lens of 2023+
That means Kyle Farmer never plays SS once Jose Barrero is healthy. It means Mike Moustakis never plays 3b. Neither of those guys are starters on the next Reds winning team. It also means Nick senzel plays every day in CF even if hes hitting .056.
It’s also time to move Matt McClain to 3b in AA.
Next winning team? I’m not sure I’ll see that in my lifetime…..
Bengals 1992-2021.
RIP
Won 3 more playoff games in 1 year than prior 30
Players and culture matter and young talent matter.
You do have a point there. I certainly didn’t expect to see the Bengals go to the Super Bowl in my lifetime either. Still haven’t won one, but getting there is something.
I’m 61 and in fairly decent health. I say the odds of me seeing another Red’s World Series championship is maybe 5 or 6%.
I can’t complain too much though. I have seen three titles in my lifetime. Including one of the best teams in baseball history.
2023 is coming too quick so its really 2024, but I see what you’re saying. I’d play Barrero, Schrock, and Garcia as much as possible. Keep 3 catchers if having both Stephenson/Garcia in the lineup is an issue. Garcia looks like a hitter!
Also the front office would really make a statement towards youth also if they just cut Moose loose. Its dead money anyway, but they won’t do it.
Yea, well let’s also just cut bait on Aquino. He swings at literally anything off the plate and looks absolutely pathetic doing it.
Exactly with Moose. They are going to pay him one way or another. Just cut him loose.
I feel bad for schrock. He ‘s a great DH and flexible lefty bat. But, its a long year. Silver lining is Aquino and Moran getting their time and no one can say they didn’t get their chance. Moran is an adventure on a pop up. Just move on to 2023 is all I am saying.
Exhibit A why signing Castellanos just makes the Reds 4 games better as a 73 win team instead of 69.
I disagree about Bell he isn’t paid that much and they will need a scapegoat. I do agree that they need to play for 2023 now, this season is over, sad but true.
But you don’t need a scapegoat when you aren’t trying to win.
I see a pattern with Reds pitchers walking and hitting batters and then having those runners score.
I thought it was free coverage I had to pay 5 dollars to watch it. This is poor coverage and this weak excitement from them than other coverage I seen. Mlb wasn’t smart team with apple TV because local fans can’t watch on bally sport. This game over with Hoffman still pitching poor teams I love those empty seats. I cancel my season tickets this year was looking forward this season of young pitchers but wow poor management overall
Good point. You are right, when you consider the line up they put out there tonight.
Those players that made reds “better in a weird way” are so good after all. LOL
Worst quote ever by a manager
Agreed ? like owner son bashing fans on open day with that comment this roster don’t show they care like the report they were in bidding with Phillies when nick said reds never called him
Nick Krall’s comment about “ wanting to avoid peaks and valleys” is even better. Who knew you should avoid peaks??
Sorry, that may have been David Bell’s quote as well.
This is so hard to watch, I don’t know when they will score again let alone win a game. It’s like watching a Junior High team play against the Varsity.
Well poor announcers coverage bally sports better can’t wait Jim day tomorrow than this garbage. I turn it off n watch my Miami heat try go 3-0 tonight more entertaining than this first time playing baseball against major league team
This team’s a joke, especially when you consider how much they’re paying Minor, Pham, Solano, and Moran. Add to that Akiyama’s salary, Moustakas, and Votto. When does Nick Krall get fired?
I just hope it is before the trading deadline.
Krall has been doing Big Bob’s bidding. Whose going to fire Krall?
Well I know earlier in year I mentioned I was done. I will always be a reds fan, however this is in front office for failing to field a team.
Same. I will always be a Reds fan. How active I am though will depend on this front office. I am not going to put more energy into this team than they are.
A run! A run!
I nearly fainted!!!
Maybe Reds fans should Boo Pham. Seems to be the only way he hits.
Yeah, so far, the “revenge tour” isn’t exacting much revenge.
Any RLN fans still saying its early and the Reds can make the playoffs? That includes all the contrarians.
Reds soon to be 10 under after 12 games.
Math matters.
#2023
Worst outfield in baseball. Not to mention 3rd base.
Well we knew these first 20 games were going to be brutal, but I’m not sure I thought it would be this bad. And just think, after these 3 with the Birds, we get the Pads for 3. Yikes!
I can’t speak for the other contrarians, but I can speak for myself. It is still early, for one thing. And I never said or thought that the Reds would make the playoffs. They are terrible, but they have the potential to be mediocre if they get the injured guys back and guys like Votto and India start hitting .
Farmer has to be done when Barrero comes back and man was Pham a mistake. But hey they scored a run. As a long time fan this is just embarrassing. Can you imagine how hard it will be to pick an all star from this bunch?
Kyle Farmer has a job as long as David Bell has a job.
And for as long as he’s one of the best hitters in the lineup.
At least Kyle Farmer is batting above the Mendoza line
Tyler O’Neill is single-handledly keeping the Reds in the game.
Lol nice!
Joey seems to be finding his groove at least. Maybe if we can weather these injuries we can at least be a little more competitive.
I think Aristides Aquino career as a Red ended tonite. Freidl pinch hitting. It’s just matter of time. India comes back Tuesday. The roster shrinks to 26 on may 1.
Well. like I said before. I find it amazing how badly fooled Aquino is on virtually any pitches off the plate. I am actually surprised that he is even batting 0.54.
Sad part Senzel is not to far from him batting average wise.
Oh, and you can bet Bell will have him in the starting lineup again tomorrow night.
I’ve certainly seen enough. I can think of a handful of players to get rid of. Bryan Price was 3-15? I think this team can beat that. 10 out by end of April?
I was not a Bryan Price supporter but he did fall on the sword for some awful teams with way worse talent than Bell’s. Bell isnt going anywhere despite an equally historically awful april and very bad record with some really good talent – Castillo, Bauer,Gray, mahle,Castellanos, Winker, Iglesias, GG catcher, Suarez in 2019, etc plus some 1 hit wonders.
I hope so he has not been good, and Bell has given him ample opportunity.
When was the last time this team had a extra base hit?
I think I said last week that Greene is a thrower and needs to become a pitcher. I think he will be a great one IF he learns how to pitch. It doesn’t matter if you throw every pitch over 100 if you can’t set up a hitter.
AA has to be the worse hitter I have ever seen. How many teams have a player playing every day batting about .050? David Bell is a pitiful manager. Pitiful!!!! I disagree with those who are all over Moran. He is actually a decent sub on this team and could become a good pinch hitter.
Yea, he’s had respectable numbers with Pittsburg. For a sub, I’ll take him.
You could actually say the same thing about Farmer. When viewed through the lens of a starter we have been pretty hard on him, but as a versatile bench player, he’s not a bad guy to have on the team.
I think Kyle Farmer would absolutely help a team off the bench. You make a good point, we view guys as failures who can’t put up consistent numbers as starters. But I think guys like farmer and Pham would be valuable if they were not relied upon to play everyday.
When you think of the current team I would say we have 3 solid major league starting players. Indian, Stephenson and perhaps Votto.
After those three though, you don’t really have major league caliber starting players. And let’s face it, we are basing India and Stephenson’s assessments on a single season.
Last year we had India, Stephenson, Votto, Castellanos and maybe Suarez (although he was slipping fast)
Also, Naquin probably falls in there somewhere between a starter and bench player.
Listening to the Apple TV broadcast team is like watching Mystery Science Theater 3,000.
LOL
It’s too true.
An apt description of the Red’s young 2022 season.
I will say that Moran is no where near this teams biggest problem. Even though he has been dealt a horrible hand I in the camp that says Bell needs to go, he is just not a good manager.
I have no issue with Moran. Just not starting. He’s a fine 25-26th guy.
Senzel has almost as many Ks as hits in this career. Are we sure he’s a starting caliber CF? That’s not great for power hitter much less someone that is supposed to be more of a contact hitter.
Kyle Farmer is a step slower and for a guy who was Barry Bonds in July only of 2021 and good In September against the AAAA pitching of pirates and Cubs and marlins and then Kyle Farmer the rest of the year, Farmer is being Farmer in april of 2022. Leads the team in plate appearances. Repeating what he did against right handed pitching – no power. Every day SS totals are 3 doubles and no home runs and an OPS of .648 and ISO .061 with wRC+ of 85 at age 32.
Below his career OPS of .702
Below his career ISO of .139
Right at his career wRC+ 85
Farmer is regressing to his mean of a utility player, yet aging too.
agree 100 percent
But we all know he will start ahead of Barreo
I don’t think Farmer is unique. Most of the roster is underperforming their career averages. One of the reasons I’m in favor of firing Bell and his management team. I don’t see it as a coincidence.
Farmers a fine player and apparently a great guy. But he’s also a pro, so he’ll understand when he is moved off SS or traded to make way for the next generation. In fact trade him so he can get himself a nice contract before he’s through.
The issue is only at SS do you have a 5 tool uber prospect ranked in the top 100 of MLB talent sitting the bench. No reds uber prospect is sitting behind Aquino or Fraley
Barrero did and McClain is now there with Barrero as the future of the left side of infield waiting to play (and get healthy ) behind Farmer and Moose. Barrero was ready last year but sat.
If barrero and McClain are healthy and playing well and arent starting as the left side of the Reds new infield after the AS break.. then this franchise is truly broken
I thought he should have been traded in the spring, but Barrero’s hamate injury made that not possible. As soon as Barrero is back, just trade Farmer so his starting is no longer a possibility. Commit to Barrero, or whoever takes the job from him.
10 in a row, if you care at you have to do something. I do believe if they don’t win on this home stand Bell will be gone. 15 in a row would be too much.
In the 2021 season, the Reds starting pitchers hit 0.130
That’s as good or better than: Senzel, Moustakas, Pham, Aquino, Fraley, Moran, Lopez and Friedl.
Perhaps that whole DH thing is overrated…
It is officially a rebuilding year. Ten in row. Thank you owners for taking care of the team.
I would love to see an alternative Major League Baseball league establishes. I have stayed a fan through stokes, lockouts, steroids, non-competitive leagues and just plain bad baseball. But if the trend is to turn major league ball parks into casinos, I may have to finally give up the game I love.
Castellanos said that today and Apple TV graphic always has a gambling stat on its screen
I can not think of anything more depressing.
You hit the nail on the head. MLB response to losing the older generation genuine interest is to casually grab the younger generation following occasionally by clicking on their gambling app. Very short sighted and a losing proposition.
But we are going to a game where people bet on what Jon India does in his 8th inning at bat in a tie game after they haven’t watched the game for 4 innings or 4 days.
10 in a row. Firing Bell is necessary but insufficient condition for turning this team around. As I said earlier this week, it’s KATN time. Or forget about the season as many here have and dream of 2024. Such thinking makes the Castellinis happier and wealthier.
Barrero will play a lot this year.
“We’ve just come to a point where we’re not going to lose anymore.” (Bob Castellini)
Born in 1954 and a passed season ticket holder and have paid my last dollar to an organization who doesn’t care if they are competitive. If they say they care then they are simply inept and should not own a team. 14 games into the season and the season is over.Pathetic!
I suppose this is what “aligning payroll to resources” looks like.