The Cincinnati Reds barely hung on last night in Boston after taking an 8-0 lead, winning 9-8 with the Red Sox stranding the tying run on third base. The Reds will look to avoid that tonight but wind up with the same result as they face off against a left-handed starter. First pitch is set for 7:10pm ET.
Starting Lineups
Cincinnati Reds
|
Boston Red Sox
|
| Kevin Newman – 3B | Alex Verdugo – RF |
| Matt McLain – SS | Rafael Devers – 3B |
| Jonathan India – 2B | Justin Turner – 1B |
| Spencer Steer – 1B | Masataka Yoshida – DH |
| Tyler Stephenson – DH | Rob Refsnyder – LF |
| Stuart Fairchild – RF | Jarren Duran – CF |
| Nick Senzel – LF | Enrique Hernandez – SS |
| Jose Barrero – CF | Enmanuel Valdez – 2B |
| Luke Maile – C | Connor Wong – C |
| Luke Weaver – RHP | James Paxton – LHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Luke Weaver | 38.0 | 5.45 | 1.39 | 9 | 37 |
| James Paxton | 14.0 | 5.14 | 1.36 | 6 | 19 |
| Links: Luke Weaver’s Stats | James Paxton’s Stats |
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Luke Weaver
Coming off of a 6.1 shutout inning performance where he allowed just three hits, Luke Weaver will look to build upon that tonight in Boston.
Luke Weaver’s splits are crazy. Right-handed batters don’t walk at all and they strike out often. But they are also crushing everything that they do make contact with. Left-handed hitters walk more and strike out significantly less, but they are not hitting nearly as well. Lefties have an OPS 285 points lower than righties do against Weaver this season.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 91 | 28 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 24 | .326 | .363 | .628 |
| LHH | 73 | 15 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 13 | .224 | .288 | .418 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | 2-seam | Cutter | Curve | Change | |
| Velo | 93.9 | 93.6 | 86.5 | 82.1 | 85.9 |
| Usage | 44% | 1% | 16% | 14% | 25% |
James Paxton
After missing most of 2021 (1.1 innings), all of 2022, and the first six weeks of 2023, James Paxton is back on the mound for Boston. His first two starts this year went well as he allowed three runs over 11.0 innings with three walks and 14 strikeouts. But his last time out he allowed five runs in 3.0 innings against the Angels.
We aren’t sharing any splits for Paxton right now. He’s thrown 35.2 innings in the last four seasons. The information from any sort of “recent” splits for him is rather useless.
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | 2-Seam | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 95.4 | 94.8 | 80.5 | 85.5 | 85.8 |
| Usage | 57% | 5% | 18% | 16% | 3% |
When and Where
- Game time: 7:10pm ET
- Where: Fenway Park
- Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv, ESPN+
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 76°, sunny, 0% chance of rain
News and Notes
TJ Friedl testing out his hamstring
TJ Friedl said it’s just hamstring tightness that he’s dealing with. He’ll test it out pregame.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) May 31, 2023
Elly De La Cruz hits a walk-off homer
If you want to be mad that Elly De La Cruz is still in Louisville and not in Boston, have it it. We’re all there with ya. But we’re still going to appreciate the fact that last night he hit a walk-off homer in Louisville that also extended his hitting streak to 10 games. Video and a whole lot of words on him, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and more at this link.
Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Brewers | 28 | 26 | 0.0 | 52.5% |
| Pirates | 27 | 27 | 1.0 | 11.1% |
| Reds | 25 | 29 | 3.0 | 3.4% |
| Cubs | 24 | 30 | 4.0 | 16.5% |
| Cardinals | 25 | 32 | 4.5 | 39.4% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
I watched the walkoff HR from De La Cruz again. He and Matt McLain are two exciting players to have on the same team. They can do a lot of things well.
Only 4 games under 500 and only 3.0 games out of first place. The team has got some DOG in them.
Lets hope for five in a row tonight.
I hope Friedl doesn’t do anything to push through an injury and make the issue worse. I know he has the night off but I would like him to get a couple of days to be sure.
Yeah. If he’s hurt he shouldn’t be playing. He’s too valuable.
Phillies injuries and underperformance may create some desperation. They may need 3b depth with Rhys Hopkins out for the year, Alec bohm terrible defensively and getting 1st base reps and no one at 3b.
Senzel and newman may have some value as injuries start to pile up. Let’s see how things play out the next 6 weeks. reds are trending.
The Fightin’ Phils can have Newman! Much more “upside” with Senzel, plus he’s younger by a couple of years!
Except that he doesn’t play SS, so comparing them is pointless.
I did not read the comment above right, my mistake. Ignore me.
Newman and Myers have value, perhaps not much, but some, if packaged and timed correctly. Obviously the first to go, and likely ahead of the deadline. Good news is that the Reds do NOT need any MLB-ready talent in return, and really shouldn’t go for a reliever unless it’s simply a heist. Keep loading A/A+ prospects/lottery tickets.
Senzel is in a different category, both value and demands for return. They may be getting to a point where they can hold on to him, which could become very advantageous. His trade value has been a real roller coaster.
Can’t imagine Myers having any trade value right now, unfortunately
I’ve heard the Dodgers are looking at Tim Anderson, but if Newman can keep his play at this level, maybe he might be a cheaper option for them
Cubs finally lost to the Rays this afternoon! They are now 24-31.
Catcher spot or Myers DFA are the only ways I see a spot for Elly. CES is mostly blocked by Steer and Votto looming in the background, not that things can’t change quickly.
Benson to AAA. Elly to GABP Friday.
Fact or fiction?
Sorry Melvin…that was in response to should be done.
Don’t mess with me. 😉
sounds great to me
CES with another walk. I guess he’s ready too. 🙂
I think he’s been coached to add to his discipline at the plate, since that’s been his biggest red flag. If he adds that to his offensive profile then that would be very nice to see. And I know no one wants to hear it, but this is the reason you leave guys in AAA to improve on the skills they need.
EDLC needs a spot very soon, CES is in a bit of a roster crunch unless the Reds abandon their sunken costs, or a combination of moving a succesful player, optioning an undeserving player, and slicing playing time from other players who are young and also need playing time.
I still like that monster there
Graveman for the Chisox has a 0.00 era for May over 11+ innings. He’s 32 and they’re going nowhere. He could really help
Ive been looking at bad teams as well. Good pickup. Royals bullpen is good.
Guardians offense is awful and they are done. Maybe 1.5 years of Bieber for 3.5 years of India and a good Indians reliever and a good reds good A prospect.
McLain is just plain a hitter.
That’s twice now that he has singled where the 2nd baseman should be.
Reds now dropping India to 3 hole against lefties and righties. Thats a compromise for what is coming next. Changing some off 2b.
Don’t see them moving the team leader off of second to some position he hasn’t played yet or where his arm is weaker.
+5,000
Believe he can play 2b, 3b, DH and 1b in that order – don’t send him to the OF. Plenty of PAs available.
I dont either, and his spot in the lineup isnt much of an indicator of anything for me.
I didn’t either until I read David bells comments and rumors Castellini has told people get EDLC up Friday.
Bill Cunningham on 700 WLW today said several players in the know said big Bob done with EDLC doing in Louisville what he can do in GABP
Optimist- India I don’t think has ever played first. They say his arm isnt that strong for 3rd. If Old School is correct , and I hope he is, EDLC can play 3rd for now. I think that’s why Senzel is playing Left. Senzel/Fraley would be really nice in Left .
JB – India has played 2b, 3b, and SS through college and MiLB. SS is unnecessary, and 1b is last and only to get his bat in the lineup – I doubt there’d be much difference between 2b and 3b, and they could sub defensively if needed. Better defense up the middle would have EDLC at SS and McLain at 2b.
Still, don’t like Senzel in the OF, but what are you gonna do?
“Bob done with EDLC doing in Louisville what he can do in GABP”
He’s hilarious (Big Bob), doesn’t know what he’s doing, and can’t keep his nose out of things. Having said that, this is one time I agree with him.
Optimist- honestly it’s just a nice problem. Finally something good for the Reds.
Matt McLain is really good. Senzel nice play in LF
He didn’t panic and found the ball quickly enough to adjust.
12 pitches and some nice D … that works.
Nick’s double looks like a normal one in the box score 😀
Lol this is a really crazy weird stadium.
Extremely crazy weird. I swear that wall in RF is 2′ high
Nothing to do but watch that one fly.
I couldn’t tell it was fair.
Newman robbed just a tiny bit there.
Too bad, but Newman got on base three times this game. He’s going to keep producing.
Don’t look now, but MattyMc’s OPS has dipped back under 1.000 … maybe he’s human after all. We should probably send him back down. 😛
Yep. He was 1-6 last night. Probably needs to go down and work on some things. 😉
McLain almost beat that out from the pitcher. lol
Was it me or did Paxton underhand that from the mound?
Yep he did and almost payed an embarrassing price for it.
Paxton is really on his game tonight.
Commanding all of his pitches.
They’ll have to hang close until they can get him out of there.
Cowboy saying if that wall was 330′ it would have hooked foul.
Reds are best team in baseball at winning games when their SP leaves and they are losing,
Talk about a bar trivia stat 😮
We got this…Fraley and Friedl are hitting in the tunnels.
Tonight the WLW audio feed is at least 1/2 a pitch or more ahead of the video again. Really wish that would be in sync.
I really like Weaver. He has worked on that change and it has become a nice pitch for him. A nice find by Krall and is a great fit on back half of rotation.
Very serviceable pitcher. Can’t really judge him by Fenway standards like that Devers double.
Based upon the success of McLain, why is the Reds FO so hesitant to bring up more of “the kids” from AAA?
Ask them at the next staff meeting 😉
Lmao. I would pay good money to see Dennis at that meeting.
Dennis, “Why do our relief pitchers ALWAYS walk the leadoff guy in an inning?!!!!”
Would not hesitate in the least! I deal with County Commissioners and their aides every day at work!
Paxton is dialed in. If we can’t chase him, it’s going to be a short night for our guys.
Let’s see how badly Luke wants to play tonight.
Luke wants to play!!
seems like when you ask the hard question’s the guys come through!! 😀
Stuart Fairchild being Stuart Fairchild
0-2 with 2 k’s.He just strikes out a lot.
Hes up 2-1 and Paxton throws a 56 foot curve ball in the dirt and he swings.
Fairchild is not part of the reds every day future. May be a role player now.
Can you hit a curve ball after seeing a 96 mph fastball?
Fairchild has proven he belongs.
@ kevin. Keep your comments on the Reds. Dont go to you. I can promise “you” you dont want to go there nor does Doug. “You” comments are personal. Apologize now or “you” lose.
Any yes I have hit 90 + mph fastballs against first round draft picks
Have a great day dude.
So no apology for personalizing things? You and you and you?????
Fairchild has proven nothing other than he is a AAAA player.
Fairchild is the fair-haired-boy here, but his K rate is up >33%.
It’s likely that anyone else in the lineup would be taking some heat on RLN for that.
That was super mellow to be taken as personal
Fairchild’s SO rate is 27.6 less than Stephenson for example, as well as McLain, and way less than Myers. Recency bias @OS? I’m in the @JimWalker camp on Fairchild. I’ll take a player with balanced splits over the Fraley type players, any day of the week.
I’m seeing 27% for his K rate. He’s walking and hitting for power so that’s a bit more palatable.
IF you took offense to my comment I do apologize, however it wasn’t personal. I simply asked a question and Farchild in my opinion does belong.
Please however don’t respond to any of my post as you have in the past and been critical of things I have said. Again I do apologize if I offended and you have a great day
We can disagree on baseball opinions. It’s all good. I ve been wrong on many things…Jesse WInker and Nick Senzel mostly…..but just stop on the “you”
“Can you hit a curve ball after seeing a 96 mph fastball?” No ..I cannot…anymore….but that has nothing to do with my opinion on Reds baseball or any other human being that watches Reds baseball. .think about that for a few hours.
Pretty sure Doug gray cant either or Nick Krall or David bell either…..or anyone on this website. Thats not a credible argument against a differing opinion
He hasn’t been part of the Reds every day present, so I don’t see the issue.
Maile bangs the monsta
I love two out rallies
Newmy!
Got one back and Paxton approaching 100 pitches! If Bell was the Boston manager, Paxton would be out of the game by now!
Most all managers limit their pitchers to a 100 pitch outings.
Good stop sign by House
Feels like it’s time for McLain to go deep.
Maybe not. I believe this is where Mark says fish! Pots! Or whatever
Stink. Fish. Pot!!!
How bout a Pot. Fish. Stink? !!! 😉
There it is. I was kinda close.
FYI, it’s an old Frank Burns line from M*A*S*H
I knew I heard it somewhere before. 🙂
On the board and ran Paxton’s count up. That should help our cause a little bit.
I can’t believe Mclain struck out. Geesh LOL
Opposing pitchers always Bellyache about GABP. This field is way worse.
Weaver has good stuff, but too many long balls
Solo shots I’ll take any day.
“Warning track shots” might be preferable…..
Second that! More often than not, HRS allowed by Red’s starting pitchers are preceded by the dreaded walk!
356 feet
359 feet
Not like were mashed
OK, time to make some hay against their BP.
EDLC extends hit streak with a mere single….
Bum
Probably a weak check swing.
That’s why he needs to stay down there a little longer. 😉
back to back walks. Lets go!!!
Just as good as back to back hits. Right? 🙂
Indeed!!! 😛
Look like Reds are meeting their twin brothers, relievers come in and walk batters lol
Would be great for Senzel to flair one into the RF corner.
Or an RBI single. An RBI single works as well.
Nick Senzel comes through!!
And, that’s why I like Senzel over Newman!
Need to shut them down this inning and continue clawing back into this game.
Look at how “greedy” I’ve gotten? I was almost right in line with the PhilBobMonster on writing the whole team off in April.
As Red said to Andy, “Hope is a dangerous thing.”
I might have gone with Freidl there, if available.
I’m thinking he really isn’t available.
Senzel is playing well
Last inning for Weaver if he makes it all the way thru 3 outs! Hopefully, Bell has the bullpen on Speed Dial
Gibaut is up
An irritating trend of most, not all Reds pitchers, is they get 2 strikes on a batter and start nibbling!
Strike three called a ball!!!
John Sadak fawning over Red-Sox fans makes me ill.
Even with the video delay it wouldn’t be worth it to suffer through Sadak.
If I said we need a double play right here but didn’t post would you all believe me? lol
Yes. I’ll give you that benefit of the doubt, Kevin.
😀
Nice job by MattyMc
Pitcher’s best friend, the old DP!
Don’t often agree with Bell, but pulling Weaver was probably best!
Yep. And it worked out as well. Weaver gave his best tonight. One HR was a solid blast and the other was a Fenway HR instead of a rainbow fly out.
Will we see Herget for two innings?
I’d be good with that. Especially if we score on their BP.
Yep! That’ll do Ian! Time for a crooked number!
That’s a good start. Had it gone into the seats it would be better. But we’ll take it.
We’ll take that. Pinch runner here?
I say yes. Benson.
WOW 2 strikes called balls to Newman
You could drive a truck through the right side
What ever happened to the sacrifice bunt in ML baseball?
Outlawed … but you knew that, right? 😛
Analytics says no LOL
Basically, pitchers throw too hard and with too much break to make getting a Bunt down at all consistent. We also now know that Outs are way more valuable than people used to believe. I think the number is if a player hits .220 he should never bunt.
Bunts are gross. Why give the other team outs?
Now we get Benson. So he goes to LF and Senzel back into 3B.
Yeah we need to trade Newman.
No Mr. Sadak. We do not want McLain to bunt.
Sadak is just an idiot. An idiot who has to use all his words every game.
I’m just happy he isn’t Thom
Curious do team’s carry 5 bench guys? Why not bring De La Cruz up and send a bullpen pitcher down?
I believe the rules are 13 and 13 unless you have a qualifying 2-way player like Otani.
Okay, and I think you told me that a month ago or so. LOL I just couldn’t remember Mark. Thanks
I think that pitchers are only allowed 13, I don’t think that rule applies to position players. I’m not 100% but I believe that to be true.
From MLB,
“ A club’s 26-man roster is its full roster of active Major League players from Opening Day through Aug. 31, and during the postseason.
Teams are limited to carrying 13 pitchers during this time. From Sept. 1 through the end of the regular season, all clubs must carry 28 players, with a limit of 14 pitchers.”
Nothing said in the rules about how many position players.
This is an option I’d never consider, especially with the amount of innings our starters throw.
Steer unreal
Like I said last night – Steer is a stud!
Steer for the Monster shot!!
WooHoo!!!! A MONSTER HR by Steer!!! 😀
Steer and Mclain for Co rookie of the year!!!
lets go reds, great job by steer
That’a Boy, Steer!
Are you actually watching the game
Soto?
Amazing. This young team is becoming amazing.
Speaking of home runs CES got him another one tonight. 🙂
A GRAND SALAMI!! 🙂
Needs to walk more.
And a walk, can he also come up now?
“Needs to walk more.”
He got one of those tonight too. 🙂 3-4 with a BB No Ks
He DID make one out so he might need to stay down a little longer. Can’t rush things. 😀
Get your playoff tickets now!!
Need to hold them down for 9 measly outs. We’re not asking much.
Who was it that just quoted Red to Andy about hope?
That’s the kind of clutch hitting that can spark a playoff run. When guys consistently start coming through in the biggest moments… Momentum builds.
Wait. Are you saying momentum matters? 😉
Casali a little to aggressive there.
Need another pair of bike helmets.
Huge pick-me-up by Steer after the HIDP by India! It’s all about timing!
Net result from the two of them is 3 runs. Max result would have been 5 runs, so I’m pretty happy with where it ended up.
Don’t confuse this old double-degreed engineer with math! I’m “off-the-clock” and drinking a Bloody Mary!
WK, just came in from working in the garage in time to see Steer’s homer. My boycott lasted for 4 games I think. I guess I’m a hopelessly addicted Reds fan.
Lol, I’m glad you’re back to watching games
I’ve been watching Ted Lasso. I “BELIEVE”!
Need this out. Walking Devers doesn’t kill us … yet.
First walk tonight by Reds pitching. I think Dennis just fainted.
And a “waste walk” at that given it was Devers.
Slick!!!
Good/big play by McLain again.
6 outs way from a high water mark for 2023
MattyMc having himself quite the night at SS. Does make me wonder where ELDC plays once they greenlight his arrival (this weekend if the rumor mill is to be believed).
I say 3rd and that is why Senzel has been in lf.
Personally, I don’t care where EDLC plays! Just get him up to the parent club!
3B buddy. Probably until next year.
I think he’ll play SS, not sure yet if they’re considering India at third or DH/OF, but McClain is 2B or 3B.
Honestly any combo of them works for me, the only thing I’m firmly against is moving EDLC to the OF.
I agree with this
Not how we drew it up but I’ll take it.
Now Sims in the 8th and Diaz in 9th
I’m good with that. It means Diaz is out until Friday. But tomorrow is the Getaway Game anyway.
McClain is looking like Luis Aparicio out there. In this day of 6’2″ shortstops, let alone 6’7″ and 6’5″ ss’s, don’t see these little waterbugs out there much more.
I keep thinking Fred Patek. I think they listed him at 5’6″ which may have been a stretch.
I thought Patel was 5’4”? I may be wrong tho.
Wow I thought to myself Freddie Patek earlier.
Quick Google search has him at 5’5″
+10000
Lucky, lucky, lucky Mr. Young!
Some days, Dennis. Some days.
I promised my wife that the number of games the Reds win in Boston, is the number of games we would attend this weekend against the Brewers. Looks like I might be busy at GABP this weekend.
+1, busy but sounds fun.
I would roll with EDLC , McClain, India, and Steer as our infield. Got to put him somewhere. 3rd seems like the direction they have decided to go. So let’s do it and get on with it. We got games to win.
6 outs … 3 at a time. Let’s lock down a series win here at Fenway and then know we won’t be back for quite some time.
more runs please
Absolute cement mixer. Another Fenway double.
CES with the granny but I think the biggest news is Bats pitching only gave up two runs. Miracles
Get Diaz ready. Sims is going to mess this thing up.
In a game that you are trying to win you can’t pitch Sims
Really hope someone is up in the bullpen.
Weak RBI double. Not what we needed.
I don’t know what has happed to Sims
Seems to be the definition of inconsistent.
A lifetime ERA approaching 5? He’s never been really good
Good thing we got Diaz. We’re going to need him….again.
The Fish Guy up to pinch hit.
Lol Tapia fish is known as garbage fish. Trash fish
Here we go again! Another one run game! Where are my nitroglycerin pills?
DEEEEEP Breaths Buddy. 🙂
Lol
Breath into the bag Dennis. LOL
Well. This is the way it supposed to work. Young, Sims, and Diaz at thee end. Hope it works tonight.
or just score 4 runs in the top of the 9th and make it a little easier
Wow…sims gets reds to 3 outs away
Woah. BIG K by Sims. 🙂
Does Sims ever have a clean inning? The guy gets your ticker going , that’s for sure.
Yes, he is a challenge for us old guys with a old ticker!
Yes! Diaz Time!
Only having one lefty in the pen playing Boston is really hard. Seems like every hitter is a lefty
Thrall saying Farmer is up in the BP. Could really use an insurance run here.
Buck Farmer is the closer warming up
Buck Farmer is up.
Upper arm shot. Avoided the hit to the face.
Go get him Newman! Fight! lol Wow that was close.
Farmer warming up
Would love to see India light into one here.
Y’all realize under 2022 rules these both would have been 4 hour games?
3 more outs. Let’s see some Fire from Farmer!!
Red Sox and Yankees were notorious for 4 hour games
13 Ks out of 27 outs tonight.
David Bell saving Alex Diaz for tomorrow when he may not even be needed.
wut?
I guess youre technically right, but I could just as easily say he might be needed as you can say he may not
just scratching for stuff to complain about
Gonna go out on a limb and say Diaz is unavailable for tonight’s game. Otherwise he would be in, I believe.
The unease is sitting in. Didn’t like giving up Maile and Barrero for Casali and Benson – couple 100 BA pts, in a close game after last night. Let’s hope Farmer holds.
I really don’t know why people want a manager to save all his players when we essentially dont have extra inning games anymore.
Way to go Newman!!
Newman with a sweet pick!!!
That was a great play. Hope all these teams are watching?
Newmy! You hit me , I take hit from you
5 game win streak and possible historic rod trip with sweep at wrigley and Fenway. Go reds
Reds win!! 5 in a row
Haha That was CLOSE.
Can of corn.
Alright Buck. Another 1-run victory. Who’d a thought
Ballgame!!!
5 straight wins and we win the series in Fenway.
A sweep would be complete gravy at this point. But it is definitely possible.
Night all.
Just a pop up.
RLN with a collective sigh of relief.
Nice job by the Reds bullpen tonight! And, was able to save Diaz for tomorrow if needed!
Okay Dennis. What are the standings now? 🙂
Reds still in 3rd place in the NL Central, 3 games behind the 1st place Brewers and 2 games behind the 2nd place Pirates! 2.5 games out of the 2nd Wild Card spot!
Good job.
3rd wildcard spot
Reds win! five in a row… I still wonder what happened with Alexis Díaz… I don’t think he needs rest today…
Pitched in 3 out of last 4 days I think. It’s a long season.
5 in a row. Nice game all around. From the manager to the players. They battled, executed and won. Let’s go get the sweep.
Good job by Farmer.
Devers is a hoss.
Would be nice to have a dependable backup for Diaz.
Come from behind win is much sweeter. A sweep is without a doubt sweetest, Greaters ice cream kinda sweet
What a Game!!!!!
Got to love ?? this team right now. Playing their Buttz off!!!! Go Reds!
Gotta love the grittiness and Never Say Die attitude of this 2023 Reds team!
+100
What a change for Red’s fans. This team is never down and completely out of it.
Big difference over last year so far! A lotta season ahead! Just gotta keep winning series with a 4 or 5 game winning streak thrown in for good measure!