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.
Elly De La Cruz doesn't want May to end.
The top @Reds prospect homered twice for the @LouisvilleBats, his 8th and 9th dingers this month: https://t.co/Qq2IkfcreJ pic.twitter.com/ozay2c3THy
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) May 27, 2023
Silvino Bracho, designated for assignment on 5/24 to make room for Eduardo Salazar, cleared waivers and is going back to Triple-A Louisville.
#Reds RHP Silvino Bracho has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Louisville. pic.twitter.com/WGtTw5w7P3
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 27, 2023
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.
Okay. It’s official now. Mark says it’s okay to call him up. Please do so NOW. 🙂
+1,000
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Melvin. 😀
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!
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.
If Casali is indeed helping our pitchers as much as some think then it’s okay for him to play and bat 9th.
Me personally I rather have a catcher who calls a good game and good defense. If he hits 200 so be it
@Mark I have to agree with you. Would put ELDC at SS and move McLain to the outfield.
Sorry EDLC.
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.
McLain has played outfield. Really think he is the better option.
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!
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.
If I remember correctly, Chad D. is the one who started the “Stupid Cubs” bit.
Good job Chad
Here I am at Wrigley for the first time giving our boys as much positive karma as I can. Go Reds!!!
Lucky you!!! Enjoy
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.
Second that!
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.
Living in northwest Ohio, looks like I won’t be getting reds vs cubs. Gaurdians vs Cardinals. Sigh.. lol
The same here in Columbus.
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!
Let’s hope so. It’s time!!!
Newest episode is a banger.
Only 1 more left.:-(
Friedl is hurt. Brick wall behind that ivy.
Stupid there is no padding. Eric Davis hot hurt there more than once.
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.
It is truly ridiculous.
1000% agree
Happ gonna Happ against us
Happ lulled us into complacency yesterday.
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.
Ian Happ, Reds Killer, strikes early!
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!
Wind blowing in and chilly … runs likely to be at a premium tonight. That 2B by TySteve provides a good starting point.
Man. Those walls out there are dangerous even if you’re used to playing there. Almost got them too.
Nick Senzel!!! Rbi single
Against a Righty as well
Nice job by Senzel picking TySteve up.
Big rbi single with two outs by Nick. Love how quite Wrigley is.
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.
Saw Driessen at Sams about two weeks ago. Great guy
Driessen’s first game occurred the same day as Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes.
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!
Same thought. Taillon is having a rough start to his 2023 campaign, but we seem determined to help him out a bit.
BTW, it was burgers on the flat top griddle tonight in case anyone was interested 😉
Need a couple bike helmets here.
Bobbled it and then let Nico get to 2nd. Mental error by Jake.
He is below average outfielder. Should be a DH.
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.
Wind blowing in is not bothering the Cubs!
Shouldn’t bother the Reds since they aren’t a Home Run hitting team.
Pretty bad call by the Chumpire there.
Robo umpires behind home plate cannot come too soon!
+1,000
Diaz, Farmer, Young and Gibaut haven’t pitched since May 22nd.
Looks like a bullpen game tonight! Williamson is NOT fooling any Cub batter!
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.
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.
I like Smoltz, too.
McLain got hosed by the ump. Ball four gets called a strike.
Very much hosed by the Chumpire.
2 out rbi by India. I like the hustle and risk. Just didn’t work out.
Williamson could use a quick inning.
Another two out rbi.
Need to turn some bike helmets here.
Good catch by Steer. Not easy.
Yeah. Way tougher than it looked. In the old days, that was right over the BP mounds.
I know I sound like a stuck record, but Bell needs a short leash with Williamson! This is still a winnable game!
Stephenson is showing signs of coming around.
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.
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.
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.
I think they just don’t want to commit and make hard decisions. He’d most likely play 3B at this point.
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.
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.
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
I read somewhere recently that the Reds have promoted him at each level after 200 PA. Should be getting close to that.
Ah, thanks for sharing that. I hadn’t heard that.
I think he’s around 150. Hope he comes up sooner.
That would make things interesting.
Well that makes sense I guess LOL.. Thanks for sharing that Melvin
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.
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.
I agree, Tom.
Steer looks like he plays pretty good defense to me.
Nice scoop by Steer. Now get the 3rd out and punish Taillon like he deserves.
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.
Williamson settling down abit. These young pitchers are gonna have some struggles.
OMG the strike 3 call on Casali
he swung
Opps lol thanks..
As Mark mentioned above….great insight by Smoltz on color.
Love Larkin the player, but he has minimal announcing skills
I like Barry Larkin when I hear him announcing. Granted its not much that I hear him, however to me he is okay.
Plus since he’s 2nd banana to Sadak, that just adds to the “challenges”.
Nice job scrapping out another run. Chased Taillon 😀
Agree on Larkin. Has nothing to offer or maybe can’t get a word in because Sadak can’t shut up.
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.
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.
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.
Friedl and mcLain manufacture a run
Productive stolen base by TJ.
MMC cashes it in
India!!!!
Jon in the 3 hole goes yard oppo
I love these Reds and their speed. Hated watching the station to station that Winker,Suarez and Votto brought.
Speaking of Winker, his OPS is down too .556. Wonder if the Reds could swap him and Myers.
I never worry about India….he’s the definition of a gamer
Brewers have lost.
and Pittsburgh as well.
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.
OK, we got the lead back! Now let’s keep it! One (1) more inning from Williamson, 2 if he has an easy inning!
On another note, watched Winker today. Hitting 204 no home runs. Looks lost at the plate.
Friedl McLain and India stir the pot at the top of the order
Would have left Williamson in but Bell always lets his pitchers start the inning then yanks them if a runner gets on.
No problem with taking Williamson out. I think it was the right call.
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
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.
Senzel easy 5-4-3
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.
Driving for work I really enjoy listening to Cowboy’s insight into pitching. The mental part of the game and stuff of that nature
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” … 😀
Well being 48 I aint young 😀
48 is young, Kevin. Trust me.
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!
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.
Really bad news for Team RLN … Chad Pinder is retiring. What will we discuss next offseason?
Well, when Casali is hitting line-drive singles with runners in scoring position, that’s about as good as it gets. 🙂
Isn’t it though?
As if it were scripted … another 2-out RBI.
Was that a called strike or a swing? against Gomes? The second strike
Gameday says called strike.
Nice deke by Freidl
Left too early and Farmer gets bailed out. Does that warrant a pair of bike helmets? I think it should.
Deke or no, it was a TOOTBLAN of the highest order.
Gotta get to Diaz with at least a one (1) run lead!
Fox booth saying exactly that. And it’s a 2-run lead.
Absolutely Dennis!
Or a 4-run lead. A 4-run lead works as well.
Brewers and Pirates both lost. Cardinals are in the 7th a scoreless tie against the Guardians
De La Cruz now batting 300. Anticipation builds.
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.
Yep!!,
I mean no offense to Benson, but De La Cruz should be up now. LOL
Runs up the pitch count and laces a single. I’ll take that.
India again, Are you kidding me!!!
Jonathan FREAKING India!!!
India not doing bad in the three hole tonight. 🙂
Wasn’t a fan of it….but a good result tonight.
Just nitting picks.
I was liking him better at leadoff too but if he keeps hitting like this…..
My wife was surprised the little girl threw that back. I explained it probably wasn’t her choice. 😛
Life has returned to normal people. Reds are whipping the Stupid Cubs again after a few years of Cubs dominance
Those guys at the top of the lineup are sort of a murderer’s row.
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.
Don’t forget Steer. 🙂
Even TySteve appears to be on the uptick. Life is generally good.
Fox…broadcast just addressed the “where might India play”
They did at that. Emphasized he’s never played an inning in pro ball in the OF.
talked about maybe not having the arm too. That, I don’t know.
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.
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
The division is ours for the taking the last few years. It’s just a matter if Big Bob & Son want to take it.
The PhilBobMonster don’t want anything of the sort. The very definition of “bad owners”.
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.
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.
Brewers aren’t getting the starting pitching
Valid point JB, my thinking is can starting pitching hold up? IF that be the case then look out.
Yeah … that’ son Fraley for blowing by the bag.
Classic chuck and duck move there.
Gibaut too rested?
Now we really need a GIDP to keep this in check.
Need to get Happ to GIDP right here, right now. But we’ll take the out by Fraley.
The way that inning started, I’m happy with only giving up one run. Adding on here would be extra special.
This reds team is very watchable
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.
Walks and Happ hitting are a bad combination! Hold the fort until the cavalry (Diaz) comes!
Bats plate 2 in the top of 10th to take a 6-4 lead.
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.
Friedl just keeps the visiting team off balance.
Brett butler extends the inning
I would take that!
Now THAT play looks like the Cubs of old.
I was thinking the Reds of 2022 but we can go with the Cubs
Steer is saving some errors at 1B.
McLain is one-hopping a concerning number of throws to first base. Thank goodness Steer is playing the short-hop throws very well.
Probably part of why one way or another regardless of how or when McLain ends up at 2B.
I think he will eventually end up at 2B too but he does have a strong arm.
At shot at 3rd place tonight!
Wow quick inning for Young.
So, the question is, do you send Young back out to start the 9th?
Diaz hasn’t pitched in 5 days. I think you go with Diaz.
Just imagine how fun this team would be with EDLC and CES up here playing every day.
If your point of 200 plate appearances per minor league stop is true, I want them to continue that. It’s clearly working.
https://blogredmachine.com/posts/reds-prospects-predicting-elly-de-la-cruz-major-league-debut
After tonight he’s at 152 PA.
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.
Yeah. It can be done.
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.
i think he’s been improving down in AAA.
CES has looked good at 1B this series in Syracuse. Saved a few runs in a couple different games.
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.
He’s played some 3B down there too.
@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
Now we need that GIDP to end the inning and the game. Tough to do with Swanson.
But that out will work.
FINALLY!!!
Reds win.
David Bell and Johnson work of managing the bullpen has been great of late.
Sad I missed this one. Always sweet to beat the Cubbies.
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!
ANOTHER OUTSTANDING JOB by the Reds bullpen tonight! Held the Cubs to one (1) run after Williamson left in the 5th inning!
Nice win! Brewers here we come!