Greetings! Welcome to Reds Wednesday Matinee. Sadly, all good things must come to end or at least take a pause. Such was the case for the Reds Tuesday night versus the Milwaukee Brewers when a late Reds rally left them a run short. If you missed the details, check out the Redleg Nation recap here.
The Reds can still win the series this afternoon in the rubber match at GABP starting at 12:35 Eastern time. Note that the game will not be on Bally Sports TV but will be streamed over YouTube.com
Starting Lineups
| Brewers
SP: Adrian Houser |
Reds |
| 1. Kolten Wong (2B) 2. Willy Adames (SS) 3. Christian Yelich (DH) 4. Rowdy Tellez (1B) 5. Luis Urias (3B) 6. Hunter Renfroe (RF) 7. Omar Narvaez (C) 8. Lorenzo Cain (CF) 9. Jace Peterson (LF) |
1. T.J. Friedl (CF) 2. Brandon Drury (2B) 3. Tommy Pham (LF) 4. Mike Moustakas (3B) 5. Tyler Stephenson (DH) 6. Colin Moran (1B) 7. Tyler Naquin (RF) 8. Kyle Farmer (SS) 9. Aramis Garcia (C) |
Tyler Stephenson starts as DH on a day off from catching. Perhaps David Bell has been reading Redleg Nation comments?
Starting Pitchers
REDS: Vladimir Gutierrez (R)
Brewers: Adrian Houser (R)
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB% | K% |
| Adrian Houser | 26.1 | 3.42 | 1.25 | 9.9 | 19.8 |
| Vladimir Gutierrez | 21.1 | 8.86 | 2.02 | 15.9 | 12.1 |
| Links: Vladimir Gutierrez’s Stats | Adrian Houser’s Stats |
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Vladimir Gutierrez
Vladimir Gutierrez made his MLB debut last season in time to register 22 starts, about 2/3 of season’s worth in a 5 man rotation. While a hard look at his metrics suggested he might have difficulties moving forward into 2022, Gutierrez had posted enough good to very good starts to establish a reputation as a competitive battler. This was image of him many brought forward to 2022.
Unfortunately for the Reds and Gutierrez the floor has collapsed underneath him to date in 2022. The numbers say it all. He is walking more hitters than he strikes out. When the ball is put in play bad things are happening much too often. Left handed hitters are slugging an incredible .767 versus Gutierrez in 2022 driving an OPS allowed versus LH hitters of 1.232. RH hitters are lighting him up to the tune of an .887 OPS
Where to from here for Gutierrez? With Luis Castillo recently back in the rotation and Mike Minor on rehab at AAA, Gutierrez’s spot in the rotation could be in jeopardy. Hopefully Gutierrez the battler will show up in full armor this afternoon and make a positive statement for his future.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 51 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 8 | .308 | .451 | .436 |
| LHH | 56 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 8 | .326 | .464 | .767 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | Slider | Change | Curve | |
| Velo | 92.5 | 82.2 | 82.5 | 78.0 |
| Usage | 50.7% | 21.9% | 13.2% | 16.9% |
Adrian Houser
Adrian Houser makes his second start in a week versus the Reds. On May 5 in Milwaukee the Reds got to him for 5 runs (4 earned) over 5 innings. Statistically, this is Houser’s only weak start if the season. However a bit of a caveat does apply. For those who want to be reminded, the Brewers won that game 10-5. Houser despite being roughed up for 3 runs in the first inning, got his feet under him but did allow additional single runs in both the 4th and 5th innings which were essentially garbage time.
The numbers say Houser has allowed an OPS of less than .600 versus right hand hitters and a sub .650 OPS versus left hand hitters in 2022. So, there is not a lot to choose from between the two. He doesn’t strike out a high number of hitters and walks his fair share. His most frequently used pitch is his sinker (49%) which leads to a lot of ground balls. Beware the Reds proclivity for hitting into ground ball double plays which could become a significant in a competitive game.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 64 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 11 | .211 | .281 | .298 |
| LHH | 47 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 11 | .238 | .319 | .333 |
Pitch Usage
| Metric | 4-Seam | Sinker | Slider | Change | Curve |
| Velo | 94.8 | 94.4 | 84.3 | 86.0 | 80.7 |
| Usage | 15.5% | 49.2% | 10.2% | 11.8% | 13.3% |
Bullpen Outlook
Brewers
The Reds came up a run short Tuesday night but in the process no doubt took Devin Williams (38 pitches) out of the mix for today. Brad Boxberger worked in a second consecutive game but threw only 9 pitches. Still given the 3 batter rule, he may be out today given the short turnaround. The Reds also forced the Brewers to use Josh Hader who ended up throwing 16 pitches and figures to be limited to an inning at most.
Reds
Art Warren (20 pitches Tuesday) and Hunter Strickland (24 pitches) project to be spectators today. Lucas Sims (18 pitches) may also be ticketed for a spectator’s role. All things considered, David Bell used a lot of fire power ahead of the short turnaround in Sims and Warren and didn’t get commiserate return on his investment.
When and Where
- Game time: 12:35pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: MLB.tv, also streamed on YouTube.com
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 80°, mostly sunny, 1% chance of rain
Worth Noting
We don’t have the morning after physical status report yet but Mike Minor’s rehab start at AAA Tuesday night appears to have been a success. He threw 3 perfect innings striking out 4 in the process.
Data and stats courtesy of Fangraphs and Baseball Reference
I’d say today is last Gutierrez’ start until further notice, he should go with a very short rope.
Scott Braun and Yonder Alonso calling the game for Youtube.
By the look of the crowd, it seems the people of Cincinnati found something else to do.
How does the weather look at GABP. It was supposed to be mostly sunny with no chance of rain but up my way about 15 miles NE of downtown Dayton,OH it has clouded over to gray and feels like there could be a shower in the works
Blue skies and hot. 0% chance of rain.
So far every Youtube broadcaast has been a bust. Hope this one changes the trend. The 20 game winning streak will have to start over, but back to back series wins is still possible
but realistically taking the over…need 10 runs total
an ugly first inning, but i suppose a good result
Reds promo is basically an IL party. I forgot about Justin Wilson. He came out throwing gas! He’d be the best of this sorry pen
I know Gabp is small, but how does Pham not atleast take a shot to score there? Bad secondary lead?
Putting Stephenson at DH paid off right away. I’m glad Bell finally figured that out.
Totally agree, but since his obp is so good then its not exactly a day off and he’ll need plenty of those as a catcher.
Any time he’s not squatting for 9 innings is a day off. Hitting and running the bases is not a toll on a professional athlete’s body in the slightest.
I stand corrected. He’s clearly going to run a few miles today, in 90 feet increments. 😉
I agree Luke J. It’s just a slight workout.
Genius. 🙂
Wow, a golf swing lol nice triple
Lets go everyone!!!! keep it going
Vlad has to be like “How do I pitch with run support?”
Reds Over 3.5 $$. Thank you! Milw cost themselves 5 runs and counting. Feel bad for Houser’s ERA because they should all be unearned
GABP and the heat showing up strong
They’re in Cincinnati and talking about Native American heritage in mlb and don’t bring up Johnny Bench? Do your homework people!
Friedl perfect 2 strike bunt against the shift
WOW
The kid is making a case for a spot in the everyday lineup, high contact hitter, great defense and speed, who knows, he may push Senzel out of the picture.
Fredl with the strong bunt game
Love this style of game for Friedl. Once India returns this plays great at the bottom of the lineup!
Thats a great thought when India comes back. Get Friedl’s speed on base for the top of the order.
While we’re at it, can we just put Stephenson in the 3 hole and leave him there.
+10000000 on Stephenson
Fredl does hits, Fredl does bunts, fredl steals bases, fredl does everything!!!!
And Friedl steals 2b. This is a cure to baseball monotony.
Friedl essentially just doubled with a 37.2 mph EV.
+500
Maybe a Friedl/Almora platoon? Jake Fraley has more power, but definitely didn’t do much with his April opportunities
OK, I’m caught up on the video now. I have the WLW audio feed running and the YouTube video for the game action. This should work and avoid what I can only assume is the wretched YouTube commentary.
actually for once…it is not horrible. I am not upset enough by it for it to be an issue
Actually I am enjoying listening to Yonder Alonso
Upside Mark, no Miami Valley Gaming or Western & Southern “Gentle On My Mind” ads.
AWESOME!!!
I may try Yonder for a bit then.
Alonso is a good announcer. Hire him cincy!!!
Yes get rid of Sadak!
Wow. I won’t be getting +235 on Stephenson to get an rbi anymore
The question is does 7 win this game. I don’t feel very certain.
Good write up with the bullpen. Looks like Cessa, DIaz, Moreta, and Santillan on duty, unless Gutierrez goes down quick- then its Hoffman.
Stephenson might be ok.
Nice rip by TySteve
Reds have scored 7 runs in 2 innings against the best team in AL Central with walks, plate discipline , bunt, steal and 2 out hitting.
No home runs.
Gutierrez just can’t stand prosperity.
Cleared the over in the third.
I wish I tracked these businessman specials. I’m guessing like 70% last few years and thats when we had Gray, Miley, Castillo etc. having some success at home
Side note…Vlad is a side note
Walks will haunt. Every batter that has drawn a walk in this game thus far has scored. 3 on the Reds side and 1 for the Brewers.
Also, I don’t know why the Reds are struggling to get Jace Peterson out. He’s a decent player but he’s hitting 9th for a reason. It looks like they are afraid to pitch to him.
Will the pitching hold together long enough to win a fame staked to a 7 run lead
Bit of a tightrope walk by Rowdy
Moose has been making some good swings lately. That infield pop with runners on 2nd/3rd wasn’t one of them
A Moose shouldn’t fish.
Really good Interview of Castillo by Yonder.
another day… another non 5 IP start
Expected in April … growing very old very quickly now that it’s May
Oh brother … 😮
I say Vlad is done in cincy. He isn’t a mlb starting pitcher in my opinion. Didn’t think so last year and this year hasn’t changed that.
Hopefully he gets sent down and maybe learn how to pitch out of bullpen.
Diaz, on the other hand …
Gutierrez is not going anywhere in my opinion. Maybe he goes to the pen, but he’s not going down.
I will say this about Gutierrez. If he could add a couple mph on his fastball, he’d be able to pitch up more effectively, but at 93 mph, he has to do a better job of keeping the fastball down more often. However, his curve ball is outstanding. If he could teach that curve ball to Mahle, we’d have something in Mahle.
Inherited runners stranded. Great job Diaz
He hit Tellez to load the bases, but he fanned Urias with the high fastball.
Of course, if Moose hadn’t stumbled making the throw to second on the Adames ground ball, we might have turned 2 there and Gutierrez would have been out of the inning. Sloppy play by Moose.
Manufactured run…Double…sac bunt…sac fly. Nice Farmer!
Double, sac bunt and sac fly. How about that.
Why isn’t DiaZ the closer? Closer in the making?
I think by the end of the season, this question will become moot
He has certainly shown he belongs. One of the early bright spots on this team.
They don’t have many save opportunities. He put out a major fire. Use him when he is needed most.
Reds giving away outs on the bases in the 6th. Not good.
To be honest, I thought Friedl might have beat the tag and I was surprised the Reds didn’t ask for a review. That looked like a double off the bat, Friedl ran the bases about as well as it can be done, and it took a perfect play to get him. On the other hand, Pham was cleanly picked off first.
Stuff was going on around me and no audio when the Friedl play happened. I saw only 1 final slo-mo replay and thought he beat the original tag but must have lost contact with the base at point later.
Hoffman becoming one of the Reds’ best relievers is something I did not foresee. Thought he was one of the first on the chopping block if things went sideways early on in the season. Seems like he has cut way down on his walks.
Welp. Knew that would happen.
WLW booth put the “jinx” on Hoffman. Praised his progress and then BAM!!! All THAT happened.
Yeah, he hung that breaking ball to Renfroe. That ball deserved to go a long way.
On Narvaez, Hoffman blew the fastball by him twice on the outside corner and so he tried to do it a third time but Narvaez made the adjustment and took him the other way right down the line.
Good to see him get Cain out with the breaking stuff. Groundball to short.
Interesting comments by Yonder after getting traded to pads. I often wonder if they kept him what could of been.
I’ve wondered that, too, but I recall that they did try him in left field and didn’t like what they saw. He wouldn’t have displaced Joey at first base, so they didn’t really have a place for him.
They trying to Strickland-proof this game
+100
Bernies have had enough … they just want the game to be done now. Cain’s handling of the throw speaks to that.
Drury literally studderstepped halfway between third and home and still made it without a throw. About to win back to back series
House held him … until Cain demonstrated he didn’t care.
This is fun … and almost a little silly at this point.
Good for Moran banging that one out.
Taking two out of three from the Pirates was nice but not entirely unexpected. Two out of three from the Brewers is some real momentum.
+500
And remember it was 2 of 3 plus a “push”
Call the FBI….reporting a murder by Bam Bam Moran
And a mass murder at that
Joey Pipp???
Probably not … but you do have to think about it.
All have the say a Moran Early stan right here lol
Moran 280 vs rhp just last year.
Pham did well on road, not at home last year with SD.
Drury had a few good seasons and had a real bad one.
Never had full season since prove self.
ok so we have found a weak link in the bullpen
Yeleich gets the cycle, I have seen enough pull this guy
3 cycles for Yelich…all vs Reds
How the purgatory does Bell keep Moreta in the game? My gawd, he should have been pulled two batters ago. One again, Bell is tardy making obvious changes.
This is ridiculous. Old School said we’re better then the Pirates. Maybe, but their pen is 100x better then ours and they’re hitting the ball too. My boy VanMeter with a triple & hr today
Come on!!! Really???
Again I go back to the bullpen pitchers not knowing their roles. Look at the Brewers, they have a 7th inning, 8th inning, and 9th inning guy. Reds have their best bullpen pitcher as of now pitch the 5th inning. Kuhnel is your mop up guy in my opinion so why did Moreta start the inning?
Their job is to get some people out and they don’t do it. Roles are for guys that can get people out somewhat regularly. Bell just has a dumpster fire so I don’t blame him for pulling names out of a hat. Diaz/Hoffman have been good, but thats it.
They need Justin Wilson really bad
I agree with that and its been continuous for two years now. Bell frustrates me alot and at times in my opinion mismanages. In saying that he plays who he has..
Great point man
I’m going to puke if the Reds lose this game.
I literally stopped watching came down stairs made coffee. Then wanted to look at box score only to see this mess. UGH
Bet on Red … it would appear we’re playing “Fear the Walking Dead” at this point.
so true… but it ended ok… two series wins secured
Yep. The Zombies did go down in the end.
Did somebody say it looked as though the Brewers were giving up, somewhere right before they put up a five spot without making an out yet? Is the biggest lead ever blown by the Reds in the ninth 9 or 10 runs. Can’t recall which.
Braves a few years ago I think scored 7 to win? I could be wrong though
Yep, Dusty kept Cordero in and let the game get away. I was screaming into my car radio
There was a game against the Cardinals back in 2013 if I remember correctly. Worth looking it up to find out.
I know they blew a 9 or 10 run lead in the ninth against the Cardinals. My wife is a Cardinals fan, so that one really hurt.
No way this should be happening but it is and it is absolutely pathetic
The Reds pitchers refuse to get the ball down.
Had it all the way
Good thing the Reds put 6 runs on the board in the bottom of the 8th or that’s a loss.
Man to close for comfort but a win.
Been sick, but like how the boys been playing lately.
WOW,
but another series win!!
I wonder if changing pitching coaches would help this staff?? Think about the rookies, or second year guys who had good stuff in minor league yet up here not so much.
Is it stuff they lack, or location? I’ve read that MLB umps call a tighter zone than MiLB umps do, and MLB hitters are probably generally more selective and attuned to the strike zone. Would it be surprising if a young pitcher, rattled by getting “strikes” called balls would start nibbling too much?
Offense showed up in a HUGE way. Alonso and his partner are interviewing TySteve. Just love that kid!
Tyrone Stephenson is a natural hitter who meets the pitch and does not overswing. He’s the future Red’s first baseman in my book.
Got to like the Drury, Moran and Pham acquisitions!
A little credit to Krall will not hurt.
Tyler is calling Moran “Sid the Sloth” … very funny stuff. Says DJ started that. I like Bam Bam better and so did the YouTube booth.
Don’t get upset but, in the late 50s or early 60s there was an article in Baseball Digest that teams played better when their best player is not in the lineup.
When I criticize Bell I am not calling him the problem. The issue I have is that while he might not be the problem I don’t think he is the answer. Therefore, I think you yet Bell ride out this year, unless things get worse than they are, and bring in a fresh established man next year.
When I criticize Bell I am not calling him the problem. The issue I have is that while he might not be the problem I don’t think he is the answer. Therefore, I think you yet Bell ride out this year, unless things get worse than they are, and bring in a fresh established man next year.
Unless the Castellini family is no longer the principal owner, I doubt they’ll be a new manager next year.