After taking two of three games against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opening series of the season, the Cincinnati Reds welcome in the 1-2 Chicago Cubs. The first game of their 3-game series begins tonight with first pitch set for 6:40pm ET.
Starting Lineups
Chicago Cubs
|
Cincinnati Reds
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| Nico Hoerner – 2B | Jonathan India – 2B |
| Dansby Swanson – SS | Spencer Steer – 3B |
| Ian Happ – LF | Wil Myers – 1B |
| Cody Bellinger – CF | Tyler Stephenson – DH |
| Trey Mancini – RF | Kevin Newman – SS |
| Patrick Wisdom – 3B | Stuart Fairchild – LF |
| Eric Hosmer – 1B | Luke Maile – C |
| Edwin Rios – DH | Jose Barrero – CF |
| Tucker Barnhart – C | TJ Friedl – RF |
| Drew Smyly – LHP | Connor Overton – RHP |
Starting Pitchers
Stats from 2022
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB% | K% |
| Drew Smyly | 106.1 | 3.47 | 1.19 | 5.8% | 20.4% |
| Connor Overton | 33.0 | 2.73 | 0.97 | 8.9% | 11.3% |
| Links: Connor Overton’s Stats | Drew Smyly’s Stats |
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Connor Overton
It would be tough to imagine spring training having gone worse for Connor Overton from a pitching standpoint. He had an ERA of 15.43 and allowed 26 hits – including six home runs – in 11.2 innings. He’ll look to put that behind him and find the form that helped him post a 2.73 ERA in his limited big league action last year with the Reds.
While we are dealing with limited numbers in the big leagues, Connor Overton both struggled and succeeded against lefties last year. His walk rate wasn’t good and his strikeout rate was abysmal – striking out just three of the 61 lefties he faced last season in Major League Baseball. That number will have to improve if he’s going to find any success in the long run. He kept the ball in the park and limited power against everyone and that helps overcome some struggles in other areas.
2022 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 63 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6.3% | 17.5% | .207 | .254 | .293 |
| LHH | 61 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11.5% | 4.9% | .167 | .262 | .185 |
Pitch Usage (from 2022)
| 4-Seam | 2-Seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 91.4 | 91.1 | 91.1 | 78.6 | 81.5 | 85.3 |
| Usage | 25% | 22% | 2% | 2% | 31% | 19% |
Drew Smyly
Spring training was rough for Drew Smyly as the lefty allowed 28 hits in 16.1 innings and posted a 6.06 ERA. His track record is much better than that, posing a 3.96 ERA over the last three seasons while throwing 259.1 innings. He faced the Reds three times last season – once in May, once in August, and once to end the season in October. Cincinnat scored just four runs in 13.2 innings (2.63 ERA) against him.
Last season lefties had a higher walk rate than righties against Smyly. They also made significantly more contact. None of that mattered much as they still hit significantly worse than righties did. Not shown below was that Smyly pitched much worse on the road than he did at home, though he was still solid away from Wrigley, posting a 4.23 ERA on the road in 2022.
2022 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 346 | 84 | 18 | 1 | 14 | 5.2% | 22.5% | .258 | .301 | .448 |
| LHH | 101 | 17 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 7.9% | 12.9% | .191 | .277 | .326 |
Pitch Usage (from 2022)
| 2-Seam | Curve | Cutter | Change | |
| Velo | 92.7 | 78.9 | 88.7 | 84.4 |
| Usage | 38% | 43% | 19% | >1% |
When and Where
- Game time: 6:40pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv, ESPN+
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 66°, sunny, 10% chance of rain
News and Notes
Looking back at the series against Pittsburgh
Earlier today we looked back at a few things that stood out from the 3-game series with the Pirates. From the good of Graham Ashcraft’s dominance and Jonathan India’s hot start, to the struggles of Will Benson and the disappearance of Hunter Greene’s change up.
The 1943 Cincinnati Reds
Brian Erts returned this morning for another one of his time capsules, this time looking at the 1943 Cincinnati Reds team that finished in second place during a difficult era for Major League Baseball.
Barry Larkin Way
From this day forth, Mehring Way between Joe Nuxhall Way and Broadway shall hereby be known as Barry Larkin Way. ? pic.twitter.com/VHdc2Djl97
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 3, 2023
Would have been cooler if they had a Mandolorian pop out and state: “This is the way”.
But short of that, hard to imagine a better honor for a home town guy like Mr. Larkin. Pretty awesome
so here we are with Neo Bronson Arroyo…. will he come in with last years results, or spring training results
The reds need a win tonight or they will be trailing last year’s horrid start.
No, really. They were 2-2 after 4 games in 2022 then reeled off 11 straight losses, won a game then lost 9 more consecutive games.
So, a loss tonight would make them 2-2, which by the way I learned math would make them matching, not trailing, last year’s 2-2 start, using your numbers.
Sorry. It was a long confusing weekend here. My logic chip is still malfunctioning. I did my taxes yesterday on one screen and tried to follow the Reds on another and the Bats on a third.
so…. spring training overton
But fortunately, spring training Symly
“Connor Overton both struggled and succeeded against lefties last year. His walk rate wasn’t good and his strikeout rate was abysmal – striking out just three of the 61 lefties he faced last season in Major League Baseball. That number will have to improve if he’s going to find any success in the long run. He kept the ball in the park and limited power against everyone and that helps overcome some struggles in other areas.”
Doug you nailed it unfortunately.
This is not really a reaxction to Overton’s start…
But I don’t see SP #4 and #5 anywhere close to helping the ML team – definitely not in 2023.
Not too optimistic about 2024 – but maybe with JV coming off the books they will invest in a mid tier SP.
#GetThePitchingin#2024
I could see Cessa helping based on last year, but Overton, given the advantage of seeing his first inning tonight, is not long for this roster.
Too early to tell about next year. Williamson, Stoudt, Abbott, & Phillips could be major contributors next season. Hopefully a couple of these guys are ready to contribute later this year.
Chase Anderson is likely the next man up. We will see how the rest of the game goes for Overton. I think Cessa will be better than expected, but not great.
Yikes! Not a good start.
Good start offensively though. Good hitting by Steer.
much more fight this year
Good thing we’re scoring runs. I think we’ll need a lot of them tonight. 🙂
Offense is responding…nice Ty an Newman!!
Started with audio only while on my evening short walk. Shaking my head through that top of the first. Then our guys get their shot and even it up. Could be an interesting game. Maybe Overton settles in a bit here.
That inning went much better. Still too many baserunners and pitches. Let’s see if our hit parade can continue.
Nice battle for the single Jose B
Hammy tweak…came out…precautionary
How did Barrero injure himself?
it happened before the hit….maybe on a swing
I’m loving this new approach by our guys. Turn it over to India and let’s add on some runs.
Pinch running for Barrero? What’s the deal?
Hammy discomfort….he wasn’t lame, but being cautious
Thanks. Hopefully, nothing
@LDS.Barrero was lobbying to stay in the game, but trainer and Bell said no. Probably prudent at game 4.
Likely explains why he sat yesterday.
Perhaps, that would be interesting to know though I doubt that given he was is CF and would b3 running more
Tough luck for Jose. Hope it’s only a minor tweak.
TJ shoulda stayed put….but they got the run…Rbi Indy
Yeah. Had to hesitate so the ball didn’t hit him. Then Swanson committed to 3rd right from the start.
just like that… got the lead
I’d settle for 5 innings and the lead from Overton.
Great play by Vosler!!
I’d take that, Overton seems to be settling in.
Vosler really, really, really wants to stay in Cincy. I mean REALLY.
A burgeoning Vosler fan here.
Whatever happens in Overton’s last few innings, he needs to be careful with Ian Happ, especially with men on base! Happ has been a Reds killer for the past few seasons! Just sayin’!
+500
Vosler and Newman with outstanding defense.
Same initials, it’s Joey in disguise.
Fairchild going to have nightmares of Smyly. 0-2 with 2 bad K’s
I see the concession stands are selling a lot of Viking helmets 😀
They need to pay homage to the original Viking in the organization, Eric the Red!
Newman leaping grab
Got to love that, especially if Barrero is gimpy right now.
Newman!!
Time to play add on!!!
Gotta give Overton credit for the strategery. Let the Cubs hit bullets in the first inning and overconfident…then come back and shut them down after all trying to hit home runs. Good thinking there.
If he leaves after 5 and we still have the lead, then we’ll talk … 😀
I’m already counting on him getting 6, he’s settled in and has the pitch count.
Oh well. Nice thought. 🙂
Genius 🙂
And we’re back to India. Let’s see if he can drive TJ in.
3 bags for TJ…..
And the first HBP of India is out of the way. Surprised it took until the 4th game.
My fear is that he takes one on the knuckles….i wish he would wear a pad there.
Popped up Ball 2 … let Smyly off the hook.
Get him out yesterday. this is a winnable game.
Right hamstring tightness for Jose
And then THAT happened … stupid Happ.
I think overtorn moves to the long releif guy after the others get healthy
What guys?
Weaver might be worse
thats why i said other lol
Gift from Bellinger there.
That foul ball was fortunate. 🙂
Indeed.
OUCH! That’s gonna leave a mark.
Not sure I’m a fan of DTBell burning Young here. I get the lefty-on-lefty bit. I do hope Alex gets the 6th inning as well, provided he sends Hosmer back to the dugout with a frown on his face.
IDK…this looks like THE game that exposes the pitching staff with too many guys who arent MLB caliber. Overton started the charade. Gibault was missing badly up in the zone and then up and in. Fernando Cruz is coming soon. If he vomits on the mound, only question becomes whos a better pitcher…Vosler or Fairchild or Newman.
I dont blame Bell for this.
Someone in the bullpen needs to give 2 strong innings and compete.
Except it’s not
Young’s been called on a lot early. I might have went with SanMartin in this case.
Yep, overused.
Well crap!
I didn’t like playing matchups lefty on lefty – this is the 5th inning. I said this before Hosmer’s hit. What’s wrong with leaving Gibault in there. He got 2 outs before hitting Wisdom.
I’m amazed guys can still hit without being able to tighten their batting gloves after every pitch
JV 3 run bomb
VOSLER!!!!
Who is this guy? I guess he’s got the right initials. JV 🙂
How about this Vosler… what other positions does he play
Relief pitcher?
Vosler again!!! What a fun kid to watch play.
Smyly’s night is over. That’s a good thing.
Voslerrrrr…oppo bomb.
Loves his swing.
Vosler out performing Myers so far.
Ride this guy until he come up lame.Take your time Joey.
Let him play somewhere. This is not the time to give him rest Mr. Bell.
2 HR’s 1 triple, 1 double, and some slick fielding at 1B, I’m really liking this Vosler guy.
India is looking so much better in the field. That’s a big deal for the team.
As old-school said somebody now needs to man up and give us 2 innings or more out of the pen.Right now what we got from the starter is just about what we will be getting so we must get it done out of the pen.
Wouldn’t hurt my feelings if we pitched around Happ with 1st base open
+1,000
Vosler further endearing himself to us as fans with that nifty pick for the putout.
Spencer Steer 2b.
Krall looking good with Fraley, Steer, Vosler, Newman.
India misses one and Steer picks up the slack.
Steer on base 3 more times tonight.
Do the Reds have their next third baseman?
Kind of looking that way.
Steer or Vosler?
Of course, Cruz has to WALK the leadoff hitter!
100%
Why is Mancini on base? Gameday says he was a ground out. I don’t get it.
Catcher interference.
Thanks.
What a great game so far. Not so great for Overton.
Not a great night for Cruz, but he faced the top, and heart of the Cubs lineup. If SanMarting gets this out, it’ll be with out a run scored. Not bad
I was confused as to why Young couldn’t come out and pitch the 6th inning
Yeah. I’m afraid we’re seeing DTBell rules … again.
I was listening on the radio and shook my head. I have a love, frustrating relationship with Reds manager LMAO
It might be because the Reds don’t have an off day for a while and he doesn’t want too many RP’s to be unavailable. The pen might be better than last year, but it still looks to be far from reliable.
Really want to see these Stupid Cubs with all the money they spent fade away, especially at the hands of our much cheaper (maybe bargain basement) team.
Agree
Sanmartin v Gomes is the game
San Martin wins the battle!!!
Way to compete young man
Talk about dodging a hail of bullets.
Is there some sort of unwritten rule for Reds relief pitchers that they have to WALK the first batter they face when called in from the bullpen?
Sanmartin walked the second batter. lol
My comment was in reference to Cruz, not Sanmartin!
Certainly seemed to be the case last season.
Finish with Law and Diaz.
i like it…. but its buck farmer
Reds have used 4 relief pitchers now on number 5. Cubs have used 1 relief pitcher so far.
I’d like to see the relievers go more than an inning, at least once in a while. But, thus far, the bullpen has performed far better than last year’s – so far.
WE agree again Sir. Bullpen has been good so far. Key phrase, so far. lol
Newman is getting the job done. If Barrero ends up gimpy, I’m fine with him manning SS until ELDC or McClain are ready for prime time.
Look like Framer got the call but Diaz will finish
That would be 3rd day in a row if it happens. Does DTBell have a rule about that in his little Red book?
Ridiculous bad hop on newman who adjusts and continues his stellar D..Steer routine play. Farmer goes 1-2-3 on top of order finishing off Happ.
Defense has been spot on tonight
Farmer dealing. I miss having the other Farmer, Kyle.
wow that was way inside to Volser.
Exactly what my wife just said.
Thrall saying it will not be Diaz in the 9th.
Did he throw alot of pitches yesterday? I don’t recall.
That being Diaz
I don’t recall he threw a bunch either Saturday or Sunday. I’d have to check.
law for the ninth…. Diaz has pitched back to back
Thanks
0-3 night for India, but he was on 2x. Frankly, I’ll take that kind of performance on average.
Looks like it will be Law.
I wondered yesterday if they might use someone other than Diaz after 2 straight days
In other news, Strickland is back in our minor-league system … SMH very hard … 😮
And this one belongs to the Reds. Luve it. Time for some college hoops.
I can’t imagine him playing a positive role in any of the three wins to date.
Let’s hope he stays there – anywhere but here.
Of course it comes down to this after 2 easy outs.
Law needs to ignore the runners for the most part and get this kid at the plate.
Law gets the save and we are on a winning streak
Well
It’s a win. Law gave up some rockets.
Wow!
Reds Win.. 3-1 wooohooo lol
Vosler ends it and the Stupid Cubs start us red hot and then can’t hold up to the offensive charge.
I love nights like tonight. 2:40 running game time by my count.
I am LOVING that the games don’t go on forever. (and the winning too) 😉
Talk about dodging a bullet. lol
A freaking hail of bullets
Hey Chicago whaddya say, The Cubs are going to lose today…..
No Cubs no….No Cubs nooo
Anyone who can tell us the last time the reds had a .750 winning percentage…please chime in
.750 and the one loss was by a run. And it’s a fun team to watch.
4 games in and I would like to see a lineup as follows
India,
Steer
Volser
Fraley
Stephenson
Myer
Friedl
Newman
Enter DH here, This lineup daily I think Reds could be rocking this month. With Stephenson rotation
Vosler earns himself another Jim Day interview!
Braves beating cards.
That means Reds will be tied with brewers and braves or Cards for best records in the NL. Raise your hand if you called that after 4 games.
Maybe Bell changing things up in spring training worked. Urgency to win matters.
Nope, most of us didn’t . But, it is only 4 games. Still, first place is first place. And Vosler, so far, is raising his trade value. Myers not so much.
I had no idea this team could win after top of the first. I’m not convinced anyone in NL central is good. i will enjoy the ride…even if it ends next road trip in Philly and in Atlanta. they are competing which is all I want.
I say keep getting players from Giants and good thing will happen. Duvall, Solano, now Vosler
“Urgency to win matters.”
Yes it does. I hope it keeps up. Win every game, game by game, and go from there.