After nine runs from the offense and no hits allowed in six innings by Hunter Greene yesterday, the Reds (22-29) look to replicate that performance tonight against the the Cubs (22-28), this time on national TV. The game will be broadcast on FOX, and first pitch is at 7:15 EDT.

Lineups

Cincinnati Reds

Chicago Cubs

CF TJ Friedl 2B Nico Hoerner
SS Matt McLain SS Dansby Swanson
2B Jonathan India LF Ian Happ
RF Jake Fraley RF Seiya Suzuki
DH Tyler Stephenson 1B Trey Mancini
1B Spencer Steer C Yan Gomes
3B Nick Senzel DH Christopher Morel
LF Stuart Fairchild 3B Patrick Wisdom
C Curt Casali CF Mike Tauchman

 

Starting Pitchers

Pitcher IP ERA WHIP BB K
Brandon Williamson* 34.0 6.62 1.88 20 27
Jameson Taillon 26.2 8.10 1.73 10 27
Links: Brandon Williamson’s Stats | Jameson Taillon’s Stats

*Stats are from Williamson’s stint at Triple-A Louisville.

Brandon Williamson

Some people were worried about the 25-year-old left-hander coming up from Triple-A due to the number of walks he had allowed at the minor league level this year and the propensity for his pitches to be a little wild. However, through two starts in the major leagues, Williamson hasn’t pitched terribly. He still has walked six batters in 10.o innings, but he currently has a 3.60 ERA in two starts.

He pitched a gem in his debut at Colorado, allowing only two hits on one run with two walks and six strikeouts in 5.2 innings. Williamson regressed a little in his second start against the Cardinals on Monday at GABP, pitching only 4.1 innings and allowing three earned runs while walking four batters.

Williamson is throwing the cutter with regularity at the big league level (32.7%), something he almost never did in the minor leagues. If he can locate it well, it may end up being his best pitch.

Splits (Triple-A)

Split PA H 2B 3B HR BB% K% AVG OBP SLG
RHH 154 37 7 0 9 14% 19% .287 .396 .550
LHH 52 13 2 1 0 8% 13% .271 .327 .354

Pitch Usage (Triple-A)

4-Seam Cutter Curve Slider Change
Velo 91.9 87.1 73.9 81.6 84.3
Usage 53.1% 2.5% 13.5% 19.8% 11.0%

Jameson Taillon

Taillon, a former first round draft pick in 2010, signed a four year, $68 million deal with the Cubs in the off season. So far it hasn’t paid dividends for Chicago. He was a good pitcher in his time with the Pirates, consistently maintaining an ERA below 4.00. In his two years with the Yankees, his ERA ballooned to above four in 2021, and he hovered around 4.00 last year.

This season, however, it’s been a bit of a train wreck for the 31-year-old right-hander. He’s only had one game in his seven starts where he pitched a shut out; every other game he’s allowed more than three runs. During his most recent start in Philadelphia, he lasted just 2.1 innings and allowed six hits on eight runs (six earned) with three walks and one strikeout.

Taillon is using his slider a lot less and his cutter a lot more this year than just one year ago with the Yankees. In 2023, he’s used his cutter 30.1%, up from 10.8% in 2022. He’s also throwing his fastball a lot less (40.7%, down from 46.8% a year ago). His velocity, however, has not seen a drastic decrease, with the exception of his slider. He’s throwing the slider at about 81.5 mph, which is down from 86.1 mph just a year ago.

Splits

Split PA H 2B 3B HR BB% K% AVG OBP SLG
RHH 65 17 4 3 1 1.5% 24.6% .274 .292 .387
LHH 53 19 3 1 4 14.5% 17.7% .359 .452 .679

Pitch Usage

4-Seam 2-Seam Cutter Curve Slider Change
Velo 94.1 94.3 90.4 80.7 81.5 87.9
Usage 23.1% 17.2% 30.1% 14.0% 12.5% 3.2%

 

Details:

  • Time: 7:15 EST
  • Place: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
  • Forecast: 59 degrees, sunny, 0% chance of rain
  • TV: FOX national broadcast
  • Radio: 700 WLW

News and Notes

Elly De La Cruz was at it again last night, homering twice for Louisville. You can read more about Cruz and the rest of the farm system here.

 

Silvino Bracho, designated for assignment on 5/24 to make room for Eduardo Salazar, cleared waivers and is going back to Triple-A Louisville.

 

 

206 Responses

  1. Mark Moore

    EDLC is just a beast at AAA. Even with weak pitching overall, he’s murdering the ball. I’ve been quiet about calling him up to The Show, but I’m thinking the time has come.

    • Melvin

      Okay. It’s official now. Mark says it’s okay to call him up. Please do so NOW. 🙂

      • Mark Moore

        +1,000

        Thanks for the vote of confidence, Melvin. 😀

    • Slicc50

      Think I heard them say Elly has five of the six hardest hit balls in MILB this season so far? That breaking ball up and away that he hit out to left-center batting from the left was beautiful!

  2. Soto

    If you would replace Maile for Casali we would have a lineup 1-9 all hitting over 250. Probably been a minute since that has happened. I might have to end my self-imposed boycott tonight. I think I lasted 4 games. Maybe Castellani Jr. knows us better than we like to admit.

    • Melvin

      If Casali is indeed helping our pitchers as much as some think then it’s okay for him to play and bat 9th.

      • Kevin H

        Me personally I rather have a catcher who calls a good game and good defense. If he hits 200 so be it

  3. Jim t

    @Mark I have to agree with you. Would put ELDC at SS and move McLain to the outfield.

    • CFD3000

      I’d lean toward moving India to left, with EDLC at SS and McLain at 2B. Long run I can also see EDLC in right field. But right now I’m looking forward to seeing him in… Cincinnati.

      • Jim t

        McLain has played outfield. Really think he is the better option.

  4. Dennis Westrick

    Well, completely forgot about yesterday’s game being an afternoon game! MY excuse is I WAS at work and busy! Happy for Greene to get his first win of 2023! Also, very pleased the Reds won AND that Ian Happ had an o’fer against our Redlegs, a team he usually punishes!

    Let’s take game 2 against these Cubbie Bears!

    • Mario

      After seeing it on RLN, I think I prefer the term stupid Cubs. But as long as the Reds win, we can all agree to call the Cubs losers.

      • Mark Moore

        If I remember correctly, Chad D. is the one who started the “Stupid Cubs” bit.

  5. JB WV

    Here I am at Wrigley for the first time giving our boys as much positive karma as I can. Go Reds!!!

  6. JB

    I still think if the big 3 can turn it around , this team can win the division. Every team has its faults in the division and the Reds is starting pitching. Stay close in the first 100 games and then fight it out in the final 62.

  7. Mark Moore

    Wondering when the video feed will start. These alternate feeds, even when they aren’t blacked out, are a bit annoying.

    How far we’ve come from the days of one game per week max and if you were lucky it was your team.

    • Kevin H

      Living in northwest Ohio, looks like I won’t be getting reds vs cubs. Gaurdians vs Cardinals. Sigh.. lol

  8. Soto

    Kevin H. I live in North Central Ohio. Thought I was going to be back on the bus tonight but it looks like the Universe says “don’t do it”. Maybe if I hold out until Tuesday I will get to watch EDLC or CES with the Reds. I guess it’s time for another Ted Lasso episode. Go Reds!

    • VaRedsFan

      Newest episode is a banger.
      Only 1 more left.:-(

  9. Melvin

    Friedl is hurt. Brick wall behind that ivy.

    • Melvin

      Stupid there is no padding. Eric Davis hot hurt there more than once.

  10. Mark Moore

    Hope Friedl didn’t jam his shoulder. I know the nostalgia of Wrigley means it won’t change, but brick walls have no business in the outfield.

  11. Daytonnati

    Happ lulled us into complacency yesterday.

  12. Mark Moore

    My wife is commenting that the stats panel is different tonight. I told her why. She noted there is no pitch clock showing. I guess we’ve gotten used to that, at least at my house.

  13. Dennis Westrick

    Ian Happ, Reds Killer, strikes early!

  14. Dennis Westrick

    Nice job by Williamson to limit the damage! And you thought the Reds were the only team to leave runners in scoring position, especially at 3rd base!

  15. Mark Moore

    Wind blowing in and chilly … runs likely to be at a premium tonight. That 2B by TySteve provides a good starting point.

  16. Melvin

    Man. Those walls out there are dangerous even if you’re used to playing there. Almost got them too.

  17. Mark Moore

    Nice job by Senzel picking TySteve up.

  18. LarkinPhillips

    Big rbi single with two outs by Nick. Love how quite Wrigley is.

  19. Oldtimer

    50 years ago. June 9, 1973. Reds called up hot hitting INF Dan Driessen from Indy AAA team where he was batting .401 the first two months of the season.

    • Beaufort Red

      Saw Driessen at Sams about two weeks ago. Great guy

    • Votto4life

      Driessen’s first game occurred the same day as Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes.

  20. Dennis Westrick

    More often than not, this 2023 version of the Reds seems to struggle against opposing pitchers like Taillon with ERAs well above 6. Not all of them can have a Cy Young like performance every time they face the Reds!

    • Mark Moore

      Same thought. Taillon is having a rough start to his 2023 campaign, but we seem determined to help him out a bit.

  21. Mark Moore

    BTW, it was burgers on the flat top griddle tonight in case anyone was interested 😉

    Need a couple bike helmets here.

  22. Mark Moore

    Bobbled it and then let Nico get to 2nd. Mental error by Jake.

    • JB

      He is below average outfielder. Should be a DH.

  23. Mark Moore

    This feels like a huge hole to dig in the 2nd given all the other factors. Need to get the 3rd out right here and then destroy Taillon.

  24. Dennis Westrick

    Wind blowing in is not bothering the Cubs!

    • JB

      Shouldn’t bother the Reds since they aren’t a Home Run hitting team.

  25. Mark Moore

    Pretty bad call by the Chumpire there.

  26. Dennis Westrick

    Robo umpires behind home plate cannot come too soon!

  27. Kevin H

    Diaz, Farmer, Young and Gibaut haven’t pitched since May 22nd.

  28. Dennis Westrick

    Looks like a bullpen game tonight! Williamson is NOT fooling any Cub batter!

  29. Votto4life

    Williamson should not be in a major league uniform. His numbers at triple A did not warrant a promotion. The Reds failure, this past off season, to acquire adequate pitching, is the only reason Williamson is starting tonight.

  30. Mark Moore

    Don’t know about the rest of y’all, but I like Smoltz calling the game. This Fox team is doing a pretty good job.

    India stretched one and Happ had a perfect throw. But we got one back.

  31. JB

    McLain got hosed by the ump. Ball four gets called a strike.

    • Mark Moore

      Very much hosed by the Chumpire.

  32. LarkinPhillips

    2 out rbi by India. I like the hustle and risk. Just didn’t work out.

  33. Kevin H

    Williamson could use a quick inning.

    Another two out rbi.

  34. Mark Moore

    Need to turn some bike helmets here.

    • Mark Moore

      Yeah. Way tougher than it looked. In the old days, that was right over the BP mounds.

  35. Dennis Westrick

    I know I sound like a stuck record, but Bell needs a short leash with Williamson! This is still a winnable game!

  36. Tom Mitsoff

    Stephenson is showing signs of coming around.

  37. Jim Walker

    On a lighter note, EDLC and the crew lead 4-2 after 5 complete. EDLC has a 2B, BB, and run scored. CES has an RBI and BB. Chuckie hit a solo shot.

    • Melvin

      Awesome. If I’m not mistaken they said on the broadcast that De La Cruz scored from first on a ball that went through the third baseman’s legs yesterday. Amazing.

  38. Tom Mitsoff

    Is there anyone who watches Louisville regularly who can comment if there is a type of pitch that still gives de la Cruz problems? Just wondering, thinking maybe the front office wants to see him meet that challenge.

    • Melvin

      I think they just don’t want to commit and make hard decisions. He’d most likely play 3B at this point.

    • Jim Walker

      I see some of almost every Bats game but rarely all of any game b/c I am trying to keep with the Reds at the same time on an adjacent screen. (For instance I just missed the India HR in real time typing here but looked over just in time to see about it on the CC and then caught the replay). And I do not go back later and try to cherry pick PAs b/c the fast forward feature on the MiLBTV is not a friendly one (for me at least).

      This said, to my eye, EDLC likes to go down and get lower pitches and lift them. But I don’t e that as a problem this year. He does NOT seem to the climb the ladder.

      Bear in mind that the ABS system is either calling the pitches directly or available on (limited basis) challenge. EDLC seems to have a good setup and feel for that system.

      Right now he is just overpowering everything he goes after.

    • BK

      That’s a great question, Tom. I haven’t noticed EDLC struggling with a particular pitch, but I’m no expert.

      Injuries are up again this year, especially for pitchers. My theory is that injuries have diluted the pitching talent at AAA. That may make evaluating progress a little bit more complicated. Also, EDLC is such an anomaly from a skill standpoint. He has almost video game speed, arm, and power. Evaluating a player that’s skillset is two to three standard deviations from the norm has to be challenging, too.

      Lastly, no one would have projected such a quick adjustment for him, McLain, or CES at AAA. Hopkins and Robinson have also surprised. The Reds FO likely was hoping for post-trade deadline promotions. Being ahead of schedule is a good thing.

    • Rednat

      The only weakness I see is he still chases the high fastball. Also I think he needs a little sharpening in the field. He had a strong arm but not a quick delivery. Almost a hitch in his delivery. He just looks like an outfielder to me but I doubt they make any by position changes at this point

  39. Melvin

    I read somewhere recently that the Reds have promoted him at each level after 200 PA. Should be getting close to that.

    • Tom Mitsoff

      Ah, thanks for sharing that. I hadn’t heard that.

    • Melvin

      I think he’s around 150. Hope he comes up sooner.

    • Mark Moore

      That would make things interesting.

    • Kevin H

      Well that makes sense I guess LOL.. Thanks for sharing that Melvin

  40. Tampa Red

    I like Senzel and I’m pulling for him to turn into who everyone thought he would be when he was drafted number 2 overall.

    Having said that, it’s almost comical the look on his face when an umpire has the nerve to call a strike on him. C’mon man, umpires miss calls. They don’t miss every call. I mean, it’s EVERY time. Enough.

  41. Tom Mitsoff

    I’ll tell you what, Steer is far surpassing what I thought he would do, both offensively and defensively. He has been very, very good around first base.

  42. Melvin

    Steer looks like he plays pretty good defense to me.

  43. Mark Moore

    Nice scoop by Steer. Now get the 3rd out and punish Taillon like he deserves.

    • Mario

      I saw one play the other day where Steer was out of position but he has been very good at scooping low throws. I think he is the 1B and CES is the DH.

  44. Kevin H

    Williamson settling down abit. These young pitchers are gonna have some struggles.

  45. VaRedsFan

    As Mark mentioned above….great insight by Smoltz on color.
    Love Larkin the player, but he has minimal announcing skills

    • Kevin H

      I like Barry Larkin when I hear him announcing. Granted its not much that I hear him, however to me he is okay.

    • Mark Moore

      Plus since he’s 2nd banana to Sadak, that just adds to the “challenges”.

      Nice job scrapping out another run. Chased Taillon 😀

    • JB

      Agree on Larkin. Has nothing to offer or maybe can’t get a word in because Sadak can’t shut up.

    • VaRedsFan

      Sadak gets a lot of flack…some deserving.
      But I blame Larkin. Sadak begs Larkin for some insight on something, and Lark gives nothing….causing Sadak to fill the dead air.

      • Mark Moore

        Perhaps. And full disclosure (most know this), I won’t listen to Sadak if I don’t have to. But the constant barrage of words is what always gets me. He’s uncomfortable with any silence and letting the game speak for itself (ala Vin Scully). So perhaps he does try and rope Larkin into that mode. Frankly, that probably makes it worse.

      • Mario

        I like Sadak but he might be better served as a radio guy. He does seem to describe everything that is happening that is obvious to the viewer.

  46. Old-school

    Friedl and mcLain manufacture a run

  47. VaRedsFan

    Productive stolen base by TJ.
    MMC cashes it in

  48. Old-school

    Jon in the 3 hole goes yard oppo

  49. JB

    I love these Reds and their speed. Hated watching the station to station that Winker,Suarez and Votto brought.

    • Mario

      Speaking of Winker, his OPS is down too .556. Wonder if the Reds could swap him and Myers.

  50. GPod

    I never worry about India….he’s the definition of a gamer

  51. Mark Moore

    Smoltz saying he hasn’t seen the Viking bit until now. Nice job by India to keep that below the heavy wind and find the basket. Tallion’s woes continue.

  52. Dennis Westrick

    OK, we got the lead back! Now let’s keep it! One (1) more inning from Williamson, 2 if he has an easy inning!

  53. Beaufort Red

    On another note, watched Winker today. Hitting 204 no home runs. Looks lost at the plate.

  54. Old-school

    Friedl McLain and India stir the pot at the top of the order

  55. JB

    Would have left Williamson in but Bell always lets his pitchers start the inning then yanks them if a runner gets on.

    • Kevin H

      No problem with taking Williamson out. I think it was the right call.

    • Dennis Westrick

      Walks were Williamson’s undoing! Cardinal sin to walk a batter in a one (1) run game!

      Actually agree with Bell’s quick hook! It obviously worked as Farmer got out of the inning with a DP

    • JB

      Yeah I would have left him in but I understand Bell. Bell always gives the pitcher a chance to help himself and I’m good with that.

  56. Mark Moore

    Really enjoying Smoltz talking about today’s approach to starting pitchers. Talking about Greene (and those like him), TJ surgery expectations, all that … really good, measured commentary and insight. Cowboy was talking yesterday about how SP’s are being limited to 75 pitches in many of the MiLB organizations and what they “learn” from that approach.

    • Kevin H

      Driving for work I really enjoy listening to Cowboy’s insight into pitching. The mental part of the game and stuff of that nature

      • Mark Moore

        Yep. He can get into “grumpy old man” mode at times, but I mostly like his insight. He’s my age, so I guess I’d better watch out who I call “old” … 😀

      • Kevin H

        Well being 48 I aint young 😀

  57. Soto

    Thanks for the updates guys. Just pulled this up in between episode 1 and 2 of Ted Lasso season 3. Y’all are definitely more entertaining than Sadak/Larkin combo. Told my wife earlier this year that Lark was one of my all time favorite Reds but that duo is painful to listen to. Man do I miss the front porch days listening to Marty and Joe with my Grandparents. Good memories. Go Reds!

    • Mark Moore

      On my transistor radio when the atmosphere was heavy and the “skip” was strong enough to reach me in the Southern Tier of NY State.

  58. BK

    Really bad news for Team RLN … Chad Pinder is retiring. What will we discuss next offseason?

  59. Tom Mitsoff

    Well, when Casali is hitting line-drive singles with runners in scoring position, that’s about as good as it gets. 🙂

  60. Mark Moore

    As if it were scripted … another 2-out RBI.

  61. Kevin H

    Was that a called strike or a swing? against Gomes? The second strike

  62. Mark Moore

    Left too early and Farmer gets bailed out. Does that warrant a pair of bike helmets? I think it should.

    • Mark Moore

      Deke or no, it was a TOOTBLAN of the highest order.

  63. Dennis Westrick

    Gotta get to Diaz with at least a one (1) run lead!

    • Mark Moore

      Fox booth saying exactly that. And it’s a 2-run lead.

    • Mark Moore

      Or a 4-run lead. A 4-run lead works as well.

  64. Jim t

    Brewers and Pirates both lost. Cardinals are in the 7th a scoreless tie against the Guardians

  65. Kevin H

    De La Cruz now batting 300. Anticipation builds.

    • Melvin

      IF the Reds were smart they’d announce he’s coming up the first game of the next home stand. It would be a sellout.

      • Kevin H

        Yep!!,

        I mean no offense to Benson, but De La Cruz should be up now. LOL

  66. Mark Moore

    Runs up the pitch count and laces a single. I’ll take that.

  67. Kevin H

    India again, Are you kidding me!!!

  68. Melvin

    India not doing bad in the three hole tonight. 🙂

    • VaRedsFan

      Wasn’t a fan of it….but a good result tonight.
      Just nitting picks.

      • Melvin

        I was liking him better at leadoff too but if he keeps hitting like this…..

  69. Mark Moore

    My wife was surprised the little girl threw that back. I explained it probably wasn’t her choice. 😛

  70. JB

    Life has returned to normal people. Reds are whipping the Stupid Cubs again after a few years of Cubs dominance

  71. GreatRedLegsFan

    Those guys at the top of the lineup are sort of a murderer’s row.

  72. Soto

    I love the trio of Friedl, McClain, India at the top of the order. Now add EDLC and CES behind them and we will be cooking with gas.

      • Mark Moore

        Even TySteve appears to be on the uptick. Life is generally good.

  73. VaRedsFan

    Fox…broadcast just addressed the “where might India play”

    • Mark Moore

      They did at that. Emphasized he’s never played an inning in pro ball in the OF.

      • VaRedsFan

        talked about maybe not having the arm too. That, I don’t know.

      • Jim Walker

        I think India moves to 3B. It is his “natural” position. However, I believe it will happen in the off season since McLain and EDLC played next to each other in Louisville with EDLC at 3B and McLain at SS, and should be good to go that way. But this may only be a 1 year fix with Marte in the wings and India moving through arbitration.

  74. Kevin H

    I think I am going to go to the Brewers game next Saturday.. I want to see Winker, yes he is a favorite player even though as someone said he isn’t doing to hot.

    However this team I tell ya is not bad. Maybe not a playoff team, however if starting pitching can remotely turn it around. Who Knows

    • Melvin

      The division is ours for the taking the last few years. It’s just a matter if Big Bob & Son want to take it.

      • Mark Moore

        The PhilBobMonster don’t want anything of the sort. The very definition of “bad owners”.

    • Mark Moore

      I’ve only seen a handful of parks. Would love to watch a game at Miller. Looks like a great venue. I’m potentially up for a gig with an end client in Phoenix. If that happens, I’ll try to see one there.

    • JB

      I have to disagree. This team has as good a chance at the playoffs than the other central teams. Everybody disagrees but I’ve watched all the other teams and the Reds are there. Win tonight and Cards lose they are in third. Pirates are sinking and I don’t even worry about them. Brewers are getting the pitching and hitting hasn’t been great either. Cards starting pitching is horrendous and Cubs are coming back to earth.

      • JB

        Brewers aren’t getting the starting pitching

      • Kevin H

        Valid point JB, my thinking is can starting pitching hold up? IF that be the case then look out.

  75. Mark Moore

    Yeah … that’ son Fraley for blowing by the bag.

  76. Mark Moore

    Classic chuck and duck move there.

  77. Mark Moore

    Now we really need a GIDP to keep this in check.

  78. Mark Moore

    Need to get Happ to GIDP right here, right now. But we’ll take the out by Fraley.

  79. Mark Moore

    The way that inning started, I’m happy with only giving up one run. Adding on here would be extra special.

  80. Old-school

    This reds team is very watchable

    • TR

      Quite a Red’s turnaround after the first third of this sorting season is in the books. Now there’s a major management problem, which some other teams also seem to have, is where to regularly play EDLC and CES. It appears to me a trade is needed to make room rather than having talented young guys riding the bench instead of playing in AAA.

  81. Dennis Westrick

    Walks and Happ hitting are a bad combination! Hold the fort until the cavalry (Diaz) comes!

  82. Jim Walker

    Bats plate 2 in the top of 10th to take a 6-4 lead.

    • Jim Walker

      Old friend from 2022, Daniel Duarte closes it out for the Bats. Believe this makes 5 straight W’s for the Bats and puts them a +3 over .500 for the year.

  83. JB

    Friedl just keeps the visiting team off balance.

  84. Old-school

    Brett butler extends the inning

  85. Melvin

    Now THAT play looks like the Cubs of old.

    • JB

      I was thinking the Reds of 2022 but we can go with the Cubs

  86. Tom Mitsoff

    McLain is one-hopping a concerning number of throws to first base. Thank goodness Steer is playing the short-hop throws very well.

    • Jim Walker

      Probably part of why one way or another regardless of how or when McLain ends up at 2B.

      • Melvin

        I think he will eventually end up at 2B too but he does have a strong arm.

    • Dennis Westrick

      So, the question is, do you send Young back out to start the 9th?

      • Kevin H

        Diaz hasn’t pitched in 5 days. I think you go with Diaz.

  87. Melvin

    Just imagine how fun this team would be with EDLC and CES up here playing every day.

    • Tom Mitsoff

      If your point of 200 plate appearances per minor league stop is true, I want them to continue that. It’s clearly working.

    • Jim Walker

      Yes, but I am also imagining how they get them both into the lineup.

      Senzel has to come off 3B to put some combination of EDLC, McLain, and India at 2B/ 3B/ SS. The simplest way it to do it in mid season is to put EDLC at 3B and leave the other 2 where they are since EDLC and McLain played side by side in the SS/3B spots at AAA this year. Senzel becomes Fraley’s platoon partner and “super sub” in this setup.

      With CES, at least until/ unless Votto returns, CES DHs when Stephenson catches. But what about the 3-4 days a week TS isn’t catching? Maybe Steer and TS both sit a day every 10 games or so? But if TS does not start catching more, that still gets CES only 4 or so starts a week.

      As someone else said, it would be a nice problem to have.

  88. Beaufort Red

    Steer is impressing me more and more defensively. Saw CES in Goodyear and he’ s definitely a work in progress. Nothing wrong with being an Edgar Martinez or Big Papi.

    • Melvin

      i think he’s been improving down in AAA.

    • LarkinPhillips

      CES has looked good at 1B this series in Syracuse. Saved a few runs in a couple different games.

  89. Soto

    I see CES being about 80% DH and occasional 1st basemen. I think the DH is better served as a nearly full-time position. I have always thought that many position players struggle to produce at DH. It’s a weird adjustment for some to bat without playing in the field.

    • Melvin

      He’s played some 3B down there too.

    • Jim Walker

      @Soto> I agree with your idea of what a DH should be. In practice, the Reds are moving in that direction with TS under the guise of a 3 catcher scheme. However, what are they going to do if/ when Votto is back; let alone how will they accommodate CES and/ or Steer then

  90. Mark Moore

    Now we need that GIDP to end the inning and the game. Tough to do with Swanson.

    But that out will work.

  91. Kevin H

    Reds win.

    David Bell and Johnson work of managing the bullpen has been great of late.

  92. Soto

    Sad I missed this one. Always sweet to beat the Cubbies.

  93. Mark Moore

    That definitely feels good after the hole we dug to start things. And finishing it off with Happ is extra special.

    Onward to the Sunday Getaway Game.

    Nice job by Leverage and Smoltz calling the game. I could listen to both of them on a regular basis.

    Night, all!

  94. Dennis Westrick

    ANOTHER OUTSTANDING JOB by the Reds bullpen tonight! Held the Cubs to one (1) run after Williamson left in the 5th inning!

  95. Votto4life

    Nice win! Brewers here we come!