After a wild game on Monday night in which Cincinnati walked away with the win in ten innings, the Reds (32-35) and the Kansas City Royals (18-48) will meet again in the second game of this weekday series at Kauffman Stadium. First pitch is at 8:10 EDT.
Lineups
Cincinnati Reds
|
Kansas City Royals |
| CF T.J. Friedl | 1B Nick Pratto |
| DH Matt McLain | C Salvador Perez |
| 2B Jonathan India | SS Bobby Witt Jr. |
| SS Elly De La Cruz | RF MJ Melendez |
| 1B Spencer Steer | 3B Maikel Garcia |
| C Tyler Stephenson | DH Edward Olivares |
| RF Will Benson | 2B Matt Duffy |
| 3B Kevin Newman | CF Drew Waters |
| LF Stuart Fairchild | LF Dairon Blanco |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Brandon Williamson | 26.2 | 5.40 | 1.43 | 13 | 21 |
| Jordan Lyles | 73.2 | 6.84 | 1.29 | 25 | 55 |
| Links: Brandon Williamson’s Stats | Jordan Lyles’ Stats |
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Brandon Williamson
Lefty Brandon Williamson hasn’t had the best start to his MLB career, but he also hasn’t had the worst start to his career. He pitched well in his debut at Coors Field, only allowing one run on two hits in 5.2 innings. While two of his five starts have been quality starts, his three other starts he has allowed 13 runs in 14.1 innings. Granted, these starts were against the Cubs, Cardinals, and Dodgers–three teams that can hit well, but he’s still going through some rookie growing pains.
One of the things that still needs some work is his walk rate. Williamson has walked 13 batters in 26.2 innings since he’s been at the big league level. When he throws pitches over the plate, a lot of times, those pitches are up in the zone a lot of times and those pitches will get crushed against a good hitting team (it was especially noticeable against the Dodgers). It seems to happen most often when he throws his cutter and his slider.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 97 | 20 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 11% | 18% | .235 | .330 | .529 |
| LHH | 21 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10% | 19% | .263 | .333 | .263 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 91.9 | 87.6 | 73.0 | 81.3 | 84.0 |
| Usage | 29.8% | 28.8% | 9.2% | 17.7% | 14.4% |
Jordan Lyles
Pitcher wins are not a good measure for how good or bad a pitcher has been, but when a pitcher is 0-10, you take notice. That’s the 2023 W-L record for 32-year-old right-hander Jordan Lyles. He’s had a rough year so far, with a 6.84 ERA in 13 starts. His best start came on June 2 when he pitched five innings and allowed only one run on two hits and struck out eight against the Rockies. However, he followed that up by allowing five runs on six hits in a loss to the Marlins in his most recent start. He ended up with a no-decision on that day, in a game the Royals lost 7-2.
One reason for the 0-10 record is that although he’s giving up a lot of runs (56 in 73.2 innings), Lyles is also pitching deep into games. This gives him more opportunity to be the pitcher of record in the games he starts. He has pitched into the 7th inning seven of his 13 starts. He’s also pitched one complete game against the White Sox, and earned the loss in that one.
Lyles has also pitched better at home than on the road with a 5.23 ERA at Kauffman, compared to a 9.10 ERA on the road. However, 11 of the 18 home runs he’s allowed this year have been at home.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 160 | 35 | 14 | 0 | 8 | 6% | 16% | .238 | .289 | .497 |
| LHH | 157 | 35 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 10% | 19% | .250 | .319 | .529 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | 2-Seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 91.3 | 90.4 | 86.5 | 79.3 | 80.1 | 85.9 |
| Usage | 36.8% | 10.8% | 5.6% | 18.5% | 22.5% | 5.8% |
Details:
- Time: 8:10 EDT
- Place: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
- Weather: 78 degrees, sunny, 0 percent chance of rain
- TV: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB Network (out-of-market subscribers)
- Radio: 700 WLW
News and Notes
Lots of Roster Moves
More Accolades for Reds Minor Leaguers
Schedule Change for the Reds Home Game on June 30th
If you’re like me and have tickets to the June 30th Reds game against the Padres, make a note that the game will now be at 5:10 pm due to the Taylor Swift concert at Paycor Stadium that night. The power of Taylor Swift extends to changing times for sports events.
Because of the Taylor Swift concert on the same night, the Reds have moved their Friday June 30 game vs the Padres to 5:10 pm ET. The game on July 1 remains at 1:40 pm ET.
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) June 13, 2023
Interview of the Year
If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend watching Ricky Karcher’s post-game interview with Jim Day last night. I don’t think the guy could believe himself what had just happened.
Interview. Of. The. Year. pic.twitter.com/P381LAv5dB
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 13, 2023
Reds are now 9 games better than they were last year through the same number of games. Their playoff odds have increased to 5.4%. That is pretty low but it is over 3x better than it was just one week ago (1.7%). The Reds are just 2.5 games out of the last wild card spot. That spot has been alternating between Milwaukee and Pittsburgh over the last month or so. The only team between the Reds and Milwaukee is Philly. The Reds have made a lot of progress getting past teams. Being 2.5 game back with one team in front of you is a lot better than being 2.5 back with six teams sitting on top of you. The Reds now have the 19th best record in the majors, so they have also moved out of the bottom 10. In the baseball is crazy category the Athletics, widely regarded as the worst team in major league baseball and on of the worst teams ever, now has won 6 games in a row. Meanwhile Kansas City has lost 9 out of ten and the Athletics record now is just one game worse. Free CES!
For those that care, the current ESPN MLP power rankings have the Reds at 23rd behind the Cubs and one spot above the Cards! I consider the source and winning going forward will take care of the obvious bias by “the leader” in sports!
Well, I stayed up WAY PAST my bedtime to follow the game on my cell phone until the end of last night’s game! Not disappointed by the results, obviously! Got to see the Reds’ Ricky (Wild Thing) Vaughn, er Karcher, get his first MLB save! Plus an awesome slide by Friedl to score the go-ahead and eventual winning run!
NOTE: The Reds FO needs to keep the Reds mascot, Mr. Red, away from home plate when Karcher pitches at GABP if he gets the opportunity again! If not, he may get hit by a wild pitch like the Durham Bull mascot in the movie Major League!
Let’s keep the momentum going and win again tonight!
Nothing wrong with cleaning up against bad teams. Brewers got swept by the A’s. A win tonight and the Reds get to 2 under .500. They havent been there since the first game of the Rays series at 7-9. This team has mostly floated between 3 and 7 under the last 2 months. See what happens.
Getting closer to .500! Worried about the next series against the Astros! But, first things first, let’s extend the winning streak to 4 games tonight!
EDLC at SS tonight so Bell can scratch his Newman itch.
One more clod of dirt on Barrero.
I hope Elly sees some hittable pitches tonight or if not, Bell shows the unexpected flexibility to move him out of the #4 spot.
Newman’s double, RBI, and run scored should make you itch, too.
All right now, based on KC’s record yesterday was the close game of the series I hope. I would expect at least one blowout win for the Reds in the series. Maybe tonight?
Just keep winning, baby!
“If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend watching Ricky Karcher’s post-game interview with Jim Day last night. I don’t think the guy could believe himself what had just happened.”
An interview to remember for sure. lol
Time to buckle up and ride this pig on a rampage through Kaufman Stadium … let’s send the Royals pitching staff to the fountain for showers early and often.
Series win tonight and don’t even think about tomorrow until tomorrow.
Votto has two walks and just got robbed from a double but still got the sac fly.
Myers with a 3 run HR. (Trade bait) 🙂
Trade? Just give him away to anybody who will take his contract. Back in Cincy he’s just clogging up a roster spot and taking away playing time.
Trade/gift whatever you want to call it. You know what I mean. 🙂
Krall should send Myers and Barerro over to the other dugout for Chapman.
That would open the 40 man spot up for Strand
Hmm Don’t know if they’d be interested in a young SS/CF with loads of potential. He’s kind of like a prospect still. I doubt they’d want to pay Myers though.
OK, I’m thinking TJ is back to lead-off form.
Looking good again. What do you think about him JB?
Guy rocking the Hubbard Jersey is back tonight
Got to be very patient again with Lyles tonight. He’s having a terrible season and we need to make it worse. Flailing at unhittable garbage in the dirt and not running up his pitch count won’t cut it.
Oh well … onward we go.
We want him in the game right??….Therefore high pitch count would get him out earlier.
The key is to put up a bunch of crooked numbers to knock him out, not by pitch counting him out of the game.
Apparently Cowboy thinks EDLC should be a Centerfielder.
I got that impression as well. 😉
Me thinks so too. 🙂
Can you imagine the ground he could cover? And that arm?
I’ve been imagining it for a long time. 😉
Me 3.
Doesn’t seem to be in the cards though 🙁
Get a new deck. 🙂
Who was the genius that decided to cut Chase Anderson loose? He’s pitching well and our bottom of the rotation guys stink. Williamson couldn’t finish a lefty ahead 0-2 and gave up sac fly thats a 3 run hr in 20+ parks
Salvador Perez would hit 50 HR in GABP
Nice All Star DH and backup C if Bob writes the check
KC wants to unload his contract
Couple it with Chapman.
KC wants to unload salary.
Hard pass from me. Plus he’s a 5-10 so he’ll only go where he wants to go.
Only dug the hole 1 run deep … and that was on Williamson for the bad throw. Made up for it a little with that pickoff of Witt.
Buckle down and score. Maybe ELDC goes yard here?
Always a possibility of an inside the parker too with him.
Steer RBI please!!!
He got a very late start to 3rd and still galloped on over there.
De la Cruz is a 10 WAR player
Think De La Cruz will find a way to score this inning?
Steer made it easy. Tie game. 🙂
Same game parlay winner now with Reds +2.5 and McLain hit
We got a genuine debate on who is the reds most valuable Rookie. Lol . Steer knocks in EDLC
Fresh start and now an 8-inning game. Nice job by Steer to work that count and get his pitch.
Hello, Newman!!! 😮
Newman is an asset to this team
Absolutely!!
Love his approach at the plate
Some team has got to want Newman in a trade.
Given he’s IF only and Senzel can play either, I’m thinking Newman is the better trade bait. However, his bat has been pretty solid as a spot starter, so …
Newman has 22 RBIs which is more than Fairchild and tied with Friedl. Fairchild has played in 11 more games than Newman. Newman is looking real good.
Newman Yes!!!
I know I said to be patient, but I’m kind of happy the 14-year-old took his chances. Now swipe 2nd, Stewie.
How about 3rd?
KC crowd isn’t happy based on what Thrall is saying.
Lyles is writing a book titled “How to Start a Season 0-11”
Bet365 is the world’s favorite sports book for many reasons… but Jordan Lyles, is a terrible pitcher.
he might not get to finish that book
Chapman can’t be happy playing for this team. He needs to beg management to trade him to the Reds. 🙂
High drama situation for ELDC here … can he do his thing?
No GS chance … and that crowd is getting VERY vocal.
Kansas City fans warming up their boos for the Chiefs this fall.
Closing in on two games under .500. Don’t let up. Press on.
Precisely why we can’t let up.
5 is not enough.
Nope
Williamson stinks
Big shocker
Ut oh
Stink. Fish. Pot!!!
Welcome back Daniel Duarte!
This just in.
Reds need pitching
Brett Kennedy time . Whoever he is
Williamson is not long for this game
Good grief, Williamson! Your team spotted you with a 5-1 lead and you start serving up meatballs? Plus, 50+ pitches and still in the 3rd inning! The only word I have for the Reds starting pitching is awful. Get the bullpen ready Bell while we still have a one (1) run lead!
So tired of the Weaver-Lively-Williamson trio
Ditto! The trio you mentioned are throwers, not pitchers! If the Reds FO is serious about winning they will do everything in their power to acquire some experienced pitchers! I can’t Bell on this issue! He is doing the best he can with the hand he has been dealt!
This team can not compete with only two competent starters, Greene and Abbott.
But JB has his magic 8 ball. Trust him
It’s like the other night…..7-0 lead & Reds had to use their closer & it almost cost them the game yesterday because he was unavailable…..a 7 run lead should always mean the closer gets a night off
They call up starters with 6.60 era’s and relievers with 34 bb 23 innings and 9.27 era, but call up the guy trying to win AAA triple crown.
Only 1-2 RLN posters will make sense of that because it’s idiotic
Presuming Votto does return soon, where would that leave CES to play? Currently they’re rotating the DH among the young infielders so they all get to play. Votto is either a first baseman or DH.
Votto is a 95% DH at this point. Steer has shown us way better defense than we would expect from Joey. You have Newman and (soon) Myers to back him up at 1B.
They need to quit using the DH to give guys “days off” and use it for what it was intended for. If someone really needs a day off give it to him. Plenty of room for CES and Votto.
Wow, Benson is terrible. That kind of thing would be inexcusable in high school, let alone at this level. Yet another bad read.
And, he runs the bases like a Little League rookie!
Connor Phillips should skip triple A. He can do as well as 3 of the 5 starters now.
The Hubbard jersey guy not bringing the same level of energy tonight.
I just heard him yelling encouragement to India.
Really need to wake up the bats, Jobu, and do some damage.
This is NOT a game we should lose and just better not. lol
I don’t think anyone expected Jordan Lyles to become Greg Maddux after the second inning.
Reds need to start hitting again Williamson will not last much longer.
Elly is just waiting for his moment. It will come. Oh yes. It WILL come…
Waiting on 3rd pitches right down broadway tonight.
The Reds are making this loser of a pitcher look like a CY winner. . .again.
Based on the 5 runs we scored?
Not looking at the 16 straight he retired?
Bike helmets are always good
So, the Reds score 5 runs in the 2nd inning and now nothing against a pitcher who is 0-10 with an ERA of nearly 7?
Reds scored 5 runs in 6 innings. What’s are you wanting exactly?
Nice job by Steer … again.
Yeah, he truly is fantastic defensively. I’m with you on your comment above that Votto should be 95% DH, but I don’t think they’ll handle it that way.
I’m afraid you are correct. And I don’t buy the “he’s earned it” bit where playing in the field is concerned. I want him to do well, but I really think his role needs to be limited as he sings his swan song.
That was a nice inning by Williamson. It would be great to get a couple or more runs for him to put him in the position to go another inning or two if he can keep doing the same.
Or just get a few more runs. More runs is always welcome no matter who is pitching … 😀
Got to give credit where credit is due! After a rough first 3 innings, Williamson has settled in nicely! NOW, let’s put up a crooked number!
Benson couldn’t catch a break on that one.
4 runs 5 ip = blah for a #5 starter on a blah team
4 runs 6 ip = so-so ” ”
4 runs 7 ip = OK ” OK team
4 runs 8ip = good ” pretty OK team
4 runs 9ip = victory!
So, Williamson throws back-to-back scoreless innings and Bell takes him out? At 70 years old I will never live long enough to figure Bell out!
Don’t start cracking me up again. 😀
It’s like watching Monty Python reruns!
Stop trying, take your BP meds, keep the nitro tablets handy, and practice deep breathing.
Same advice to you, Melvin 😀
hahaha I’m okay. Just laughing. 😀
Following doctor’s orders and drinking a Corona Light! Gotta watch those calories!
Right there with you. And pulls a pitcher who threw 7 pitches.
Start Duarte!
Salazar gave up 4 tonight. Maybe he’s not the answer either? I was just hoping they could find someone to go 4 innings 2 runs with a possible opener and have a bullpen day instead of running Weaver/Williamson to get rocked every week
I figure I’m good for about another 30 minutes. Last night ran way too late for a school night.
Plus I have that library book to finish so it can be returned.
No way…I was hangry and tired all today staying up last night and you will too. Reds gonna with this
See how tired ….cant spell win
OK, MattyMc … make something happen.
He said G was up in the pen? I wouldn’t do this. In a close game, where it could easily go extra innings, you would want relievers for those innings, and DD did fine in his inning. I would give him at least 1 more inning, or at least start.
7 pitches! You have to bring him back out?
Exactly. I mean, if we were up by 7, and the other relievers needed some work, then already, make the switch. But, the other relievers don’t need work; they need rest. And, we aren’t up by 7. For me, it calls to keep DD out there.
Terrible call … and once again lined up perfectly to see it.
And the Chumpire showcases his talent again … SMH Extremely Hard.
You do that so much you’re gonna hurt your neck if you keep that up. lol
Simply amazing
Pulling Duarte after 7 pitches mind boggling
Goes to pattern, Your Honor.
I guess the offense figured 5 runs was enough and decided to call it a night.
And Gibault can’t find the strike zone
So, a walk and a HBP! Here we go!
Gibault doesnt have it tonight folks. Get him out
Gibault doesnt have it tonight folks. Get him out
You never know what you’re going to get from the pen per night. That’s why you go with the hot pitcher when you can and don’t keep switching them out if you don’t have to.
This one (1) RP per inning by Bell has cost the Reds numerous losses! Insanity not to bring Duarte back out after ONLY 7 pitches!
Good gosh the Bell criticisms are way past beyond stupid.
Why did we take DD out of the game?
HDTBell is your answer … what was your question? 😛
Something’s wrong with Gibault tonight. Hope it’s just tonight.
If only HDTBell hadn’t burned a pitcher after only 7 pitches … 😮
That’s just Bell again not knowing how to use his pen.
Pathetic by Gibault.
Bad night for Gibaut to have a bad night.
This kind of looks familiar don’t it? 🙂
Now 2 walks plus the HBP to load the bases! Hard to watch!
Not to mention it was battets 7, 8, 9 and he was ahead 1-2 to #8 and 0-2 to #9…truly terrible
Did that guy just pay HDTBell to make a pitching change?
My wife says it was probably a concession stand coupon 😀
Not upset, but where’s Al Young for the lefty?
Huge K.
Big backwards K from Sims. But now Perez.
#94 working his MoJo now!
Am I wrong or is Sadak talking about Fairchild loosening in left field one inning and just a moment ago Benson loosening his arm in RF. Am I missing something?
NAILS!!!
Sims strong. Wow
Good job Sims.
Nice job Sims. Might need to make it a double tonight…
Nailed it!
Everybody take a deep breath.
That’s the Sims the Reds need!
That was some big-time work by Sims.
I was number seven to express that sentiment in basically the same way. 🙂
Barbecue sauce? Really Sadak? What is this, Supertroopers?
Medic!!!! My heart stopped when Sims went to a full count on Perez! Now, can we PLEASE score a couple of runs and end this madness!
Bar B Q sauce? Where does Sadak come up with this stuff. The dude tries way too hard to be relevant.
So, Sims thru 11 pitches! Therefore, I’m assuming according to the Law of Bell, he cannot pitch the 8th inning?
How dare ye question the Law of Bell!! Fetcheth the crown of the real “royal” of baseball! For no one knoweth more than he!!
Be nice to have Chapman for next inning. Wouldn’t it? :)…Diaz in the 9th.
Anybody know if EDLC can bunt?
Everyone’s still living the dream right now.
Nuts!
I have mentioned this before, but were Sims’ injuries the reason he has not been considered a starter the past few years? I still remember his debut, 7 1/3rd perfect innings vs. the Cardinals. Surely, if we stretched him out he would be no worse than the ham and eggers we’re sending out there now?
Growing pains for EDLC.
Can’t believe they doubled him up!
They turned it very quickly
Not quite enough of it.
Reds have not had a hit since the 2nd inning….ridiculous
In a game like this the Reds sure could use a power threat to add on, when they can’t seem to string together hits. Does anybody know a possible power threat?
HMMM Let me think on it.
Hmmm! The initials CES comes to mind!
What a pitch by sims
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Young and Farmer throwing behind Sims. He threw 11 pitches in the seventh, and Bell might have a pitch count on him.
Wait … I thought it was against the rules for pitchers to come back for another inning if you weren’t the starter.
Getting Witt is a big deal at this point.
Thanks, Melendez, for grounding out on a 3-0 pitch.
Very nice of him wasn’t it? 🙂
Sims good job…get him out
I swear to the Almighty Above that watching Bell manage a bullpen is like watching a circus.
I mean, please, please tell me, what is the logic of taking one pitcher out after one clean inning and 7 pitches in a close game. . .
But, then. . .
Letting another pitcher stay in after he just threw 11 pitches?
Now, don’t get me wrong. One of those is the correct move. But, if one is, the other definitely is not.
Steve … stop looking for logic. Just take your meds and practice deep breathing. And be glad Sims took care of the 8th. 😀
You can leave your logic and your 2 brain cells at the door.
Or, just answer the question.
Sims > AAA callup?
Correa just walked it off for the Twins
Cool!
Melendez grounds out on a 3-0 pitch! I thought that was something only the Reds do!
Maybe Sims is back?
I guess it’s relevant.
Cards down 9-4 and Cubs beating Pirates.
Brewers tied with Twins bottom of the ninth at Twinky City.
Plus, Cards lost at home to the Giants last night as well.
Unless the Reds give up a safety in the top half, I think Diaz will have the bottom half covered.
Never.
Repeat never make an assumption that the Reds bullpen will perform as anticipated.
Almost certainly a jinx.
Cannot catch a break 😮
Twins walk off Brewers.
Bengal guy intense!
That was going to hit him in the knee. Thanks for that little gift.
That’s bedtime, friends. I really need to read to get my heart to slow down.
Back at it tomorrow.
Gained a game on the Brewers. Cubs and Pirates tied in the 6th.
Bad beat for me tonight.
Had over 9.5.
9 runs after 3 🙁
Pain. I’ve been there.
A team on the rise,
Creeping to 500…..shhhhh
Glad we won! But, should never have needed to use Diaz! One game closer to .500!
Right now, because of their lack of power, this team is better on the road in bigger ball parks.
Very apt note, and the speed helps as well.
The art of winning by 1, so sweet.
Williamson 1st career win.
Wasn’t dominate, but 0 walks and kept a lid on it.
Possible 3 lefties in the rotation?
At least they won. EDLC has been brought down to earth by KC, 0-8, 4K, and 2 GIDP. An amazing talent but that jump from Louisville to Cincinnati is a big one, especially at 21. Hopefully, he turns it up a notch soon as he did this year in Louisville. Don’t want to see him shipped back.
Game recap article is ready: https://www.redlegnation.com/2023/06/13/five-run-second-inning-holds-up-for-cincinnati-reds-in-5-4-win-over-kansas-city/
The Reds are three games back from the Pirates. It is fair to say they are competitive at this point in their division. I think they should get another pitcher with some of their minor league depth. They need to keep a winning mindset for the next several years. This is just the beginning.