The Cincinnati Reds will look to rebound from last night’s loss. The Phillies took the second game of the series with an 8-3 victory on Friday, evening up things at one game each in the 4-game set. First pitch this afternoon is set for 4:10pm ET.
Starting Lineups
Philadelphia Phillies
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Cincinnati Reds
|
| Bryson Stott – 2B | Jonathan India – 2B |
| Trea Turner – SS | Spencer Steer – 3B |
| Kyle Schwarber – DH | Stuart Fairchild – RF |
| Nick Castellanos – RF | Tyler Stephenson – DH |
| Brandon Marsh – CF | Wil Myers – 1B |
| Alec Bohm – 1B | Nick Senzel – CF |
| Jake Cave – LF | TJ Friedl – LF |
| Edmundo Sosa – 3B | Jose Barrero – SS |
| Garrett Stubbs – C | Curt Casali – C |
| Matt Strahm – LHP | Graham Ashcraft – RHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Matt Strahm | 10.0 | 0.00 | 0.70 | 2 | 10 |
| Graham Ashcraft | 13.0 | 2.08 | 1.08 | 4 | 13 |
| Links: Graham Ashcraft’s Stats | Matt Strahm’s Stats |
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Graham Ashcraft
The offseason spent reworking and refining his slider has paid off early this season for Graham Ashcraft. It’s resulted in plenty of strikeouts. He’s also began to throw fewer sinkers and more cutters (as well as more sliders) this season when compared to last year. While his change up didn’t show up much in 2022 it hasn’t shown up at all in 2023. It’s only been two starts so far, but he’s yet to throw one.
Last season right-handed hitters crushed Ashcraft, while he flat out embarrassed left-handed hitters. It’s been much the same this season through two starts. Righties are hitting .360 against him while lefties have an OPS of .307 against him.
2022 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 252 | 74 | 16 | 0 | 10 | 6.3% | 13.9% | .323 | .377 | .524 |
| LHH | 212 | 45 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6.6% | 17.0% | .232 | .292 | .263 |
Pitch UsageĀ
| Cutter | 2-Seam | Change | Slider | |
| Velo | 96.9 | 97.8 | 89.3 | 89.4 |
| Usage | 52% | 7% | 0% | 41% |
Matt Strahm
After spending 2022 in the Boston Red Sox bullpen where he posted a 3.83 ERA, Matt Strahm signed with the Phillies this past offseason as a free agent. He’s made two starts and one relief appearance for Philadelphia so far this year.
His splits last season, and pretty much in recent memory are limited because he’s pitched out of the bullpen, but there’s not a real big difference when it comes to how lefties or righties have handled Strahm. Neither hit for much average or for much power. Lefties do walk a bit more often than righties do. Despite being a reliever in the last few years, Straham has six different offerings that hitters have to be aware of, though the curve and change are rarities so far this season.
2022 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 136 | 27 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 39 | .221 | .302 | .353 |
| LHH | 57 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 13 | .229 | .333 | .354 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | 2-Seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 94.1 | 93.6 | 88.4 | 83.6 | 84.5 | 87.8 |
| Usage | 43% | 18% | 17% | 2% | 20% | 1% |
When and Where
- Game time: 4:10pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 77Ā°, sunny, 1% chance of rain
News and Notes
Welcome to the show Casey Legumina
Cincinnati called up reliever Casey Legumina this afternoon. In his four games in Triple-A Louisville he allowed just one run in 5.2 innings, walked no one, and struck out five batters. He’s taking the roster spot of Connor Overton, who was placed on the injured list with a right elbow strain. You can read more about Legumina and what to expect here if you’re interested.
Luke Weaver will take over the starters spot
Prior to the game today David Bell told the media that Luke Weaver, who pitched his second rehab game for Louisville last night and threw 5.0 innings, would take over the spot in the rotation vacated by Connor Overton. Weaver is not on the active roster yet, and he likely won’t be activated until it’s his turn in the rotation.
Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Brewers | 10 | 4 | 0.0 | 73.1% |
| Cubs | 7 | 5 | 2.0 | 20.2% |
| Pirates | 8 | 6 | 2.0 | 7.1% |
| Cardinals | 6 | 8 | 4.0 | 59.9% |
| Reds | 5 | 8 | 4.5 | 1.0% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
Maybe you shouldn’t post the standings – 4.5 GB after 13 games is not where you want to be. Expected perhaps, but who wants to be reminded. The lineup tells us that Newman’s injury is more impactful than we thought. Other than that, no real complaints about the lineup. It’s time for Senzel to produce or be optioned to Louisville or traded.
Bell said there was some swelling that kept Newman from being eligible to hit yesterday, but would have been able to run or play the field. Said Newman’s fully available today.
That’s good. I’m not a Newman fan but I hate losing anyone to injury.
I was just about to mention Senzel. I don’t know why he wasn’t the first one shipped out of town when they started unloading everybody. He had one decent half of a season. Career .657 OPS. Very unremarkable and lackluster player. But…he hits in front of Friedl??
The truth is painful sometimes! The reality for all Reds fans is that we are currently in LAST PLACE in the NL Central Division with no where to go but up! Starts with a win today and then start winning 3-game series or at worst, splitting 4-game series! Have winning record at home so far this season but just God-awful on the road!
So I guess Fraley is a platoon hitter on this team, and that’s that. Don’t quite understand pigeon holing a young player like that this early in his career, especially when he’s hitting so well to start the season.
He’s nearly 28 and someone posted here, I think Doug, that Fraley’s inability to hit LH’ers extends well back into his minor league career. On the other hand, Senzel’s not hitting anyone in recent years either.
Fraley is not that young. He’s 27.
But I agree, I’d like to see if he can learn to hit lefties. You never know if you never give him the chance. His career stats are pretty brutal, but then again, he’s been far outperforming his career stats since the second half of last year, so something obviously clicked for him.
I mean, what do the Reds have to lose? Let him go out there and see some more lefties and see what he can do.
Fraley sitting against a left-hander.
Yeah, that’s kind of wild, isn’t it? He is really hitting well, and you would THINK that …”Hey, let’s see if he can handle left-handed pitching now”.
But…NOOOOOOOO!
I would bet he does get into the game when the starter leaves, a right handed reliever comes in and there is a chance for Bell to do some pinch-hitting.
Nice to see Fairchild get a start, and we will see if Senzel can contribute something.
I would actually like to see Senzel play third, and Steer could play first or DH. Senzel is supposed to have been an elite fielding 3rd baseman.
At this point I’d much rather see Fraley then Senzel out there. So I guess Senzel is not going to have to earn it and has pretty much been given every day playing time? That man has been given A LOT.
Hey, Barrero is NOT hitting last. Progress!
By the way, Barrero since April 3rd is hitting:
.292AVG, .370OBP .458SLG, .828 OPS
If he keeps that up for the full season, then the Reds have found their SS of the future.
I think @Jim got into David Bells ear, and convinced him that our 3 hole hitter should be Fairchild.
Nope, I was as surprised as anyone and everyone else to see that Thursday when it 1st happened. š
I like it. Keeps the platooning from really switching around the order. And Thursday Fairchild acquitted himself well at the plate
Last year 30 was old. This year 27 is old? Come on redlegnation. LoL
No one said 27 is old. But it’s also not young, in baseball terms.
Honestly I am just having some fun.
In baseball terms 27 is prime. However we all have our opinion
Always fun here
I don’t remember Castellanos being so helpless against breaking pitches when he was with Cincinnati.
I’d still take him. Imagine if we were smart enough to keep Casty and go after Happ (no longer an option) with the way they both hit in our ballpark.
Nice recovery from two-on, nobody-out.
The big right-hander gets out of the jam. Well done.
30 pitches after two. We can live with that I guess.
That’s about the right pace for a strikeout pitcher.
Myers says “See ya!”.
Maybe he’s finally coming around.
Myers is coming around! Need him to get hot and STAY HOT!
Never any doubt!!!
According to our buddy Sadak Friedl is hitting 40 points higher vs. lefties than righties. Still moved down in the order. I guess he did just K but still.
He should be batting second. India and Friedl to me set the tone
I actually think Friedl should lead off and India should hit second.
India 2B
Friedl Cf
Stephenson C
Fraley LF
Steer 3B
Votto DH
Myers 1B
Fairchild RF
Barrero SS
Best I can come up with when Votto returns.
Senzel patient at the plate and drew a walk. Stole a base
Two swing SO’s with less than 2 outs and a runner stranded at 2nd base! Again! Need contact hitters!
Two on, no outs! Situation calls for a bunt! Earth to Bell!
Yes! A wild pitch will work!
Reds have chased SOOO many two-strike pitches out of the zone.
I thought Fairchild chased in the 1st but did not have much choice in the 3rd because got a called strike 2 on a pitch in about the same spot as the one swung through to be K’ed. The 4th and 6h pitches of the third inning AB is where SF lost it, fouling off really good pitches to hit.
Stephenson chasing a pitch that was never in the zone surprised me.
Barrero is doing better but still a a work in progress,
A walk!
Well, they chased the started after 2.2 innings. Thats always a win. Hello Will Myers. Welcome to Cincinnati.
Myers says “Let’s do that again!”
Who is this Myers guy? š
Myers! “You The Man!”
It looks like a good thing Krall didn’t listen to those wanting to dump Myers. He’ll have two more ABs to try to tie for the team lead in HRs. Doing his best Brandon Drury imitation.
Tie Scooter Gennett!
Myers making sure those runners aren’t stranded. Nice game fo Wil.
Myers building up his trade value? š
I’ve said it several times, but I love the patient approach by this team. Especially the young guys.
Barrero walks and steals 2b. Hes making progress.
Walk, steal, double, run… I like it.
India is on FIRE!!
India is now tied with Christian Yellich for the NL lead in runs scored in 1 less game. Jon is playing great and leading this offense.
Anybody that throws Myers pitches middle-in, should be demoted on the spot.
We’ll take it.
Sadak talking about “time of possession”?
I’ve noticed it in years past with the Reds on the other side of it. It seems impossible to come back in the 5th inning, when you’ve been hitting for 20 minutes and the other team has been out there for 50 minutes. Of course, that typically happens when one team is well ahead of the other.
The practical effect is that the “no possession” team’s hitters wait 40-50 minutes between ABs.
Fortunate out there. LOL Bailed Barrero out. Aschraft 68 after 5. I like it. š
Barrero’s defense hasn’t gotten off to a good start in 2023
Wil Myers is having himself a game!
Unstoppable! š
its will myers world today
Not surprised Myers is a good baseball player.
Ashcraft has an eight run lead. Wow.
Might be a good chance to give the new reliever a look in an inning or two.
Good point.
Poor Casali doesn’t look like the same hitter he was when he first played for the Reds.
No he does not. How do u measure his value tho based on Ashcraft performance. I think that was the reason for 3 catchers. Rest Stephenson, catching insurance , and pitching development. I honestly dont know how much value a seasoned catcher brings to a pitcher. Ashcraft and Greene and Lodolo are trending upward for sure though.
Yeah. It would be nice though if we had a backup catcher that could at least hit a little bit.
@Melvin, our old friend chuckie Robinson is hitting .412 with doubles and 2 hr in AAA. Looks like he slimmed down from last year.
Good for him. Hope he keeps it up.
Joey Votto in the dugout
Really
Indeedā¦no decision yet but hes in Cincinnati and Reds players happy he is.
Cool
Enquirer says Votto is NOT ready to play and will continue rehab activities in Cincinnati.
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/2023/04/15/joey-votto-ends-rehab-assignment-returns-to-cincinnati-for-training/70118572007/
Baseball really is a strange game. If Steer had not K’d to end the 4th chances are Fraley would have batted for Fairchild in a platoon switch with runners on.
But Steer did end the 4th; and with a 5 run lead, Bell let Fairchild bat in the 5th vs the RH pitcher; and, after K’ing twice vs LH pitching, he got a double to touch off a 3 run inning which has (hopefully) broken the game open.
haha Yep
88 pitches after 6. Let him go another one. Farmer is warming up. š
One more inning from Ashcraft please Mr. Bell. Don’t trust anyone in the Reds bullpen except Diaz and maybe Young!
NOOOOOO! Not Farmer! He’s been a HR machine!
9 pitches – the efficient Farmer!
More like the Astronaut Farmer! He is a space cadet!
The shots of Greene, Lodolo, and Ashcraft together in the dugout there in the top of the 7th cracking up laughing together are golden. I love it. Excited to watch those three for a long time.
Reds need to start saving their money now.
These three could carry the team for the next 10 years +
I’ll have some hot sauce with that Crow! Farmer retires the side in order without giving the fans in the outfield seats a souvenir!
Terrible news on Votto
Hes not back to play.
More rehab
Charlie goldsmith has the article
He will go back on rehab assignment when he is ready.
Vosler isnt going to work. Move Myers to 1b and play the outfielders.
Hmmm
They are sucking air for a LH bench bat. Maybe trade an OF for one?
That may not be terrible news, and I’ll have to find the article, but he was clearly underperforming in AAA. It’s a serious injury/surgery, age, and so on . . ., but he should take his time – 1/2 season of very good Joey is far better than 80% of a season of a legacy and bench presence. If it takes 6-8 weeks in AAA, fine. I hope he still works on making the roster next year at whatever is negotiated above the buyout.
I hope so…as I’m thinking the Reds will be playoff bound in 2024.
I actually think they would have been in 2023 with a couple of key additions.
Actually, I’m OK with the walk to Schwarber!
Wow! Casali can hit!
Hope the reds are like this more oftern
A touchdown and a field goal! The Bengals would be proud!
Thanks and a tip o’ the hat to whoever it was here on RLN who suggested that Myers step a little closer to the plate.
That was everyone lol
Harrison pitching in front of friends and family, but not his MLB debut.
Myers 4 for 5 with 5 RBI’s! Think he’ll be the player of the game?
Probably will get a day off tomorrow. He needs a rest. lol
We just inflating batting averages now
Hurry up….call Strickland for the 9th…
He might give up 12, but no way they get 13
He was doing his best to blow a 5 run lead in AAA at same time we were closing this one out.
I’m pulling for Legumina, just as I do with SanMartin.
CL was “the other guy” in the Maile trade as Reiver was in the Sonny Gray deal.
Bonus.
My mistake.
Legumina came over in the Farmer trade.
Sandal should shut he heck up(keeping it clean Doug) and call the game.
Useless meaningless statistics about opposing players etc NO ONE wants to hear
Sorry but he annoys the h. Out ofme
Uncharacteristically good performance by the Reds. Ashcraftās control was off a bit today. Whatās the story on India?
Fouled a ball off of his foot. With the big league he was pulled after that inning as a precaution (he told Jim Day during the game)
Makes sense. Thanks
Groundouts-flyouts: Ashcraft 9-2;
I’ll take that all summer long.
Game recap article is live: https://www.redlegnation.com/2023/04/15/my-oh-myers-wils-dazzling-display-sparks-reds-13-0-win-over-phillies/