The Cincinnati Reds will go for the sweep this afternoon in Houston after taking the first two games of the series against the Astros. Cincinnati has won seven games in a row and now find themselves a half-game out of first place. First pitch this afternoon is set for 2:10pm ET.
Starting Lineups
Cincinnati Reds
|
Houston Astros
|
| TJ Friedl – CF | Mauricio Dubon – 2B |
| Matt McLain – DH | Alex Bregman – 3B |
| Jonathan India – 2B | Kyle Tucker – RF |
| Elly De La Cruz – SS | Jose Abreu – 1B |
| Jake Fraley – LF | Yainer Diaz – DH |
| Spencer Steer – 1B | Chas McCormick – CF |
| Tyler Stephenson – C | Jeremy Pena – SS |
| Will Benson – RF | Corey Julks – LF |
| Kevin Newman – 3B | Martin Maldonado – C |
| Luke Weaver – RHP | Ronel Blanco – RHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Luke Weaver | 52.0 | 6.23 | 1.46 | 15 | 49 |
| Ronel Blanco | 23.1 | 3.86 | 1.71 | 14 | 26 |
| Links: Luke Weaver’s Stats | Ronel Blanco’s Stats |
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Luke Weaver
In his last two starts, Luke Weaver hasn’t been able to get through five innings. The Reds have won both games. He’ll look to keep the latter part of that going, but he’ll try to get deeper into the game this time.
Both lefties and righties have hit well this season against Luke Weaver. With that said, righties have done better. While they don’t walk often against him, they are hitting .313 and they’re crushing the ball to the tune of a .574 slugging percentage. Left-handed hitters walk more and make a lot more contact, but they are hitting .266 against Weaver. They’re showing similar power overall as right-handed hitters are. Not shown below are the home and road splits. Weaver’s been much better on the road, though still has an ERA of 5.19 away from Cincinnati.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 124 | 36 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 33 | .313 | .355 | .574 |
| LHH | 104 | 25 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 16 | .266 | .327 | .511 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | Curve | Cutter | Change | |
| Velo | 94.1 | 82.2 | 86.6 | 85.9 |
| Usage | 44% | 13% | 18% | 24% |
Ronel Blanco
The Astros rookie began the year in the bullpen, but in early May he headed back to the minor leagues and got stretched out as a starting pitcher. He returned on June 1st and has made two starts since then and walked seven batters with 10 strikeouts in 11.1 innings while giving up four runs.
This season, in limited action, Ronel Blanco has dominated left-handed hitters in the big leagues. Their OPS is only slightly higher than the slugging percentage put up by righties. If we include his time in the minor leagues this season, it’s similar.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 63 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 15 | .364 | .444 | .564 |
| LHH | 45 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 11 | .162 | .289 | .270 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 94.9 | 80.1 | 88.3 | 86.0 |
| Usage | 38% | 4% | 54% | 3% |
When and Where
- Game time: 2:10pm ET
- Where: Minute Maid Park
- Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: They have a retractable roof
News and Notes
Jake Fraley activated, TJ Hopkins optioned to Triple-A
The Cincinnati Reds activated Jake Fraley from the injured list this morning. They optioned outfielder TJ Hopkins to Triple-A to clear a spot on the roster for him.
Who is starting on Monday?
Tough to really understand what’s going on here.
Looks like Reds are leaning towards using an opener on Monday vs. the Rockies, but it will depend on how today's game goes with the bullpen. Williamson will be involved too.
“He is going to pitch. He may not start the game," manager David Bell said.
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) June 18, 2023
Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Brewers | 36 | 34 | 0.0 | 53.5% |
| Reds | 36 | 35 | 0.5 | 10.7% |
| Pirates | 34 | 35 | 1.5 | 12.1% |
| Cubs | 33 | 37 | 3.0 | 19.2% |
| Cardinals | 28 | 43 | 8.5 | 10.7% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
Wow. ECS just made a play on the grass behind 3B to throw out a runner. I don’t see how he’s such a bad defensive player. He just showed a great arm for one thing.
CES *
One of the things I love about the bundling of the minor league games with MLB radio broadcast streams at a very favorable price is that so many more folks are seeing and commenting on the MiLB games.
MLB managers are going to have to get creative and invent new reasons to explain why their boss is holding back guys who look every bit of the part ready for the show.
Yeah. haha This is the first year I’ve been able to watch minor league games. Maybe the first year I’ve wanted to.
“Tough to really understand what’s going on here.”
Micromanagement?????
I am not at all familiar with the Rockies personnel but what’s the over/ under this has something to do with platoon batters???
The Reds start an RH pitcher to get the Rockies LH hitters in the game then switch to Williamson to burn the Rockies bench, and in the process set things up for the Reds bullpen to face RH hitters vs RH pitching on the back end.
Maybe an audition for a move of Williamson to the BP when Ashcraft returns next week? The timeline works, I don’t know ?????
I’ve been out of town for a few days. I got to see most of yesterday’s game. Hoping we keep it rolling today. Need a good one from Weaver. Only a few more moves needed from the Reds this year. Votto, CES, Ashcraft, and one more pitcher (Phillips?) then we are ready to roll. Hopefully, Lodolo makes it back in time for a late summer playoff push. Go Reds!
Good to see Rake Fraley back! This is beginning to look like a pretty formidable lineup we’ve got here…
I think the line up is looking stronger. The thing is, not everybody in the lineup is going to have a big day. Somebody will have a lousy day today, likely. But if you put in more good hitters, then statistically, a couple of guys will have pretty good days, every game.
When you have a weak line up, you’re always relying on that one guy to carry you (Joey Votto, 2015-2017); there were a few other good hitters in the line-up in those years, but…you get the idea.
People have this notion that the Big Red Machine teams bashed people on the head every game. Sure, they had their big nights, but the key to their success was consistently scoring runs, enough to win. Enough good offensive players, and that leads to consistent winning. Plus pitching. Pitching wins games.
Don Sutton, Dodger pitcher, used to say…If we get three runs early and are up 3 -0, I know that they will tie up the game by the 9th inning.
10.7% playoff odds, same as the Cardinals and behind Cubs and Pirates? Disrespectful. Let’s prove doubters wrong. Start with a sweep of Astros today. HFD everyone.
Can a mathematical formula be disrespectful?
The Pythagorean Theorem said some really mean things to me
lol
I had an Advanced Statistics class back in college and I have to say that I felt disrespected at the end of the class.
hahaha You guys are killing me.
That’s ridiculous, the division is pretty much a jump ball IMO.
The Reds lineup is looking much longer. As I said in the past I like the use of an opener. Glad to see David bell is revisiting what has been successful earlier in the year. Go reds top of the division would be a great Father’s Day gift
There is an idea out there that says the DH will only be in effect while the starting pitcher is in the game. That would pretty much eliminate the “opener”. Don’t know if it will ever be used in the majors.
I don’t see the point of that rule. Is it in effect anywhere?
I actually don’t know if it is. As far as the reason I guess it would encourage leaving in your starter longer. More strategy I guess.
Votto with a bases loaded BB RBI.
There are at least 2 reasons I’d err on the side of caution with bringing Votto back to MLB too soon.
One is that during the great week he is finishing out, he has had a walk rate >31%. He is not going to have that at MLB where his career BB rate is between 15-16% as I recall.
So, how does his week look half of the 10 walks (before today) are peeled off his OPS? His BABIP was .250 which would indicate 4 more additional outs. My quick math is that drops his OBP by .125 and would also ripple through his slugging by adding 5 ABs.
The other point which is probably more important given what Votto has been through is that leaving him at AAA for the final week of rehab time would be a test of his durability to hang in and grind yet stay productive.
Oh, and for whatever reason, Votto subbed out at the start of the 3rd inning after 2 plate appearances. A ground out and the run producing BB/
I have no problem leaving him down for the remainder of his rehab. Doubt the Reds will wait that long though. Bring up CES NOW regardless.
Altuve is out of the lineup. No excuses for Weaver today. You could audition alot of other guys when 5 innings 3 runs is an improvement.
Their starter has only made 2 starts and walks some guys. Need the sweep with all these other contenders hot as well like the Cubs, SF, Miami, and Philly
Just heard something interesting on the Bats broadcast that I didn’t know. When using the ABS to call balls and strikes a percentage of the ball has to be in the strike zone. When using the challenge system only a “hair” of the ball has to be in the strike zone. Votto got a call reversed on him by a “hair” today and obviously didn’t agree with it.
It’s a sad testimony to the Reds roster that Newman and his sub-.600 OPS against RH’ers is the best choice for 3rd today. This year Senzel barely tops .500 OPS. Fairchild has an OPS against RH’ers about 100 pts higher than Newman. Would make more sense to put McLain at 2nd, India at 3rd, and Fraley at DH with Fairchild in the OF. Fraley isn’t known for his defense. But, such a lineup would mean that Bell wouldn’t be starting Newman. Newman has had some good games, particularly against LH’ers, but pretending he’s an every day player is just disingenuous.
The truth is CES should be up playing 1B today and Steer at 3B. Or the other way around. CES looks good at 3B today.
Do we know whether or not Fairchild is ready for full duty? Newman has, for awhile, been getting some hits against righthanders, which can’t be said for Senzel.
I didn’t see that Fairchild was injured. He’d been playing well. The consulting gig is getting in the way of my keeping up. Sorry.
Sounded like “Southern League Neck” to me. Those muscles can really nag a guy.
Hahaha See something new every day. Ramos caught a ball and thought it was the third out. He threw the ball in the stands with a runner on first. Woooops. Runner advances to third. hahaha!!!
It is 2:10pm Eastern. Are you watching the Reds or the Bats? 😉
hahaha Just turned the Reds on. Bats are on Gameday now.
Votto taken out early again today. Fourth inning.
On his way to cincy? Let’s hope!!!
Off day for the Bats tomorrow (every Monday). Maybe they all agree he’s “ready”.
That’s my guess Kevin. Maybe CES will slip Votto some cash to sneak him in too (Votto really needs it lol).
A sweep would be extra sweet. This is not the “getaway day” line-up.
Hitters need to be patient with the kid on the mound and maybe show the Astros why he’d be better in their bullpen (along side Kuhnel).
Too bad Kuhnel is in the minors.
Well, I figured they wouldn’t burn a 40-man spot 😀
He is on the 40 man. Just not on the 26 man unfortunately. 🙂
Didn’t realize that. Interesting choice.
Looks like Weaver has nothing
He doesn’t work inside enough which has them looking away. Abbott throws sightly softer but isnt afraid to go inside
Weaver = hit parade
What else is new. Although Benson’s error and a K makes the run unearned if he gets this guy
I’m not sure he gets an error on that play if the runner was going for home anyway. Can’t assume the fielder would throw the runner out. Guy on first didn’t advance.
How doesn’t Benson get an error for that bobble? Bregman stopped at third and went when Benson bobbled it. Scoring is rediculous anymore.
No error listed in the box score foe this game. So I assume Benson wasn’t given a error
If that’s the case it should have been an error.
I cannot believe this is the best we have to start a game
Looks like a bullpen day if we want to have a chance to win.
Well may not use a “opener” Monday. With how Weaver started 30 pitch first inning
Cowboy commented on that pitch in as being what Weaver needs to do. I think we’re in agreement.
Then missed outside followed by one inside that went straight to Newman. I hope he, DJ, and TySteve have a chat between innings about what will work and what won’t.
Weaver’s falling into a very predictable bad pattern the last few games. He’s getting behind in the count a lot, then throwing very hittable fast balls that are getting hit hard.
Cowboy mentioned that. Behind with outside/high stuff that they don’t swing at, then grooves a change-up and watches it fly.
Alert, Alert, Alert, Weaver is not a “serviceable” MLB starter.
Let me rephrase so I don’t defend delicate ears….Weaver as a professional pitcher is garbage. Mariota, La Quinta, throw in literally anyone else
Mariot
That sounds better I guess. I almost suggested the other day to say his pitches were garbage. 😉
Welcome back, Fraley!
Fraley! 🙂 HR!
Now we feel a bit better. Nice to see Jake back.
Rake looks good in the Viking gear 😀
Isn’t he the reason they started the whole Viking thing?
No idea. I started with the 2023 season. But I could see it being because of Rake.
Yes, that has been mentioned on the broadcast many times.
Nice to have a lineup you feel like you can come back with.
OK, find a way to get through the 2nd without giving up runs and the build it back.
Too late for that. At least there’s nobody on base after that bomb.
Cement mixer … Stink. Fish. Pot!!!
If Weaver doesn’t start weaving some magic soon we’d better get him out of there ASAP.
Cowboy’s comment was that he’ll find himself wearing a new jersey.
Man, I was kind of hoping Luke Weaver would become a good pitcher between innings 1 and 2.
Lol,
lol
There might be help available for that.
+500
That single up the middle came off a pitch looking like a Hunter Greene fastball (age 9).
It’s basically batting practice
Everything they hit including the outs are absolute Rockets. The Reds are going to have to find a different option for their fifth starter after today. I think it’s going to have to be Williamson and Weaver goes down as soon as Ashcraft is back.
Have they moved the stud starting P from AA to AAA yet?
“Have they moved the stud starting P from AA to AAA yet?”
Hopefully soon.
Curious question who would you replace weaver with? Is Phillips ready? Triple A pitching is bare as far as starters go. Phillips is double A.
Then we have Williamson and Lively who have struggled as well?
Really they need to trade to get a quality option. They could go with a bandaid option, like Greinke, or a bigger splash that would cost more in prospect capital.
Phillips is the only internal option that could work, but I don’t think he’s actually ready.
Grienke would not fair well at GABP.
Please no.
Mariot pitched eight innings of one run ball for the Bats last night. Probably give him a try.
Phillips is the logical choice, which means he’ll have to make 3 more AA starts and 4 or more AAA starts….which also means he’ll be close to innings limits by time he gets to MLB.
Great post everyone agree with them all
Weaver is who they would get in a mid-season rental acquisition to replace Weaver, unless they really traded up a level – everyone is going after a very limited supply. Otherwise, it’s a straight up trade for multiple years availability for both sides of the deal.
Batting practice. Get him out Mr. Bell. Go all out to win the game. Deal with tomorrow tomorrow.
4 more missiles in the 2nd. Luckily they only got 1.
Sequencing.
The Astros have 7 hits against Weaver.
It’s only the 2nd inning.
Listened to the first 2 innings on the radio on the way home. Not one statistic given. Just calling the game. How refreshing.
WLW feed? I do like the way Thrall and Cowboy call the game.
I think so Thrall and Cowboy in Sirius XM
I was running errands and heard Cowboy really talk pitching with Weaver. Saying he has zero ability to throw strikes on the inside of the plate so big leaguers just cut the plate in half and sit on that cutter away
Benson = On Base Machine.
Respect that #8 hitter…no sarcasm intended.
Benson needs to stay with the club. He just does.
That’s got to be a foregone conclusion at this point. Now he’s making the case of being an everyday player.
Who in the bullpen has the best three pitch mix that isn’t Diaz or Sims? Anyone to stretch out?
Sims came up as a starter, but with his injuries, it seems that is no longer in the plan?
No challenge? Dusty saving it for later?
Newman doing what we’ve come to expect. Turns the lineup over for TJ and MattyMc.
Ok, they have one of their fastest players on 3rd with zero outs.
They HAVE to get at least one run out of this… Don’t they?
Ask, and ye shall receive.
Way to go Newman with the hit. I just read today that the Angels are looking for a SS.
Who would be the utility infielder?
Well we’ve got guys who can play different places already and Lopez is playing all over the place in AAA including lots of SS. He’s hitting with more power this year too. just saying Newman will draw lots of interest and the Reds have lots of depth.
@gmr- the beauty of having (2) everyday players capable of playing SS in EDLC and McLain- is the Reds no longer need that 26th roster spot for the vet utility guy who can play SS. angels could also be a destination for Senzel as they are hurting for infielders.
Yep old-school. We’ve got several guys who are versatile. All positions are covered nicely without a “utility” guy. CES will add to that now that he’s playing RF and LF along with 3B and 1B.
Reds infield organizational depth chart in 2 months
3b- EDLC,Steer,India
SS-McLain, EDLC
2b-India,McLain
1b-Votto,CES,Steer
LF- Fraley,Steer
CF-Friedl, Fairchild
RF- Benson, Fairchild
C-Stephenson, Casali
DH- Votto/India/CES/Stephenson/Steer/McLain
3/4 Senzel/Myers/Maile/Newman will be traded or released.
You can’t discount the effect of injuries and players needing days off. If Newman could bring back a decent starting pitcher without the Reds adding much prospect capital, go for it, but he has been valuable this season.
Newman keeps hitting and the hate keeps coming from certain people
Newman has been hitting righties a bit lately, eh?
Yeah you are correct, but some people don’t like facts they like narratives.
Yep. There is going to be some serious attention by other teams.
Why would the Reds even think of getting rid of Newman after all he’s brought to this team, especially if they are still in the playoff chase at trade deadline?
They might because they have lots of depth and he might bring back a decent return.
I remember feeling the same way you do about Eddie Armbrister back in ‘75 and ‘76 title teams when I was 18 and 19, but I ended up being happy they kept him.
Newman with another hit. Hitting .319 since May 20th before that hit.
Way to go Friedl with the RBI hit. That man is L….That man is L…. What’s that word again JB?
Legit. He drives the bandwagon
Oh yeah! 😀
Not used to seeing that kind of play from Newman, especially 2x in the same inning.
But they gave Diaz a hit anyway. Cowboy saying scoring is the worst it’s ever been. All coming out of NYC from what I understand. Probably by interns who’ve never seen baseball played outside of T-ball.
It’s rediculous. How could that not be an error?
What about Salazar? I know he’s not stretched out, but he may be the best internal option to take over for Weaver. At least until a better option becomes available.
Ouch, I just looked at his last 2 outing in AAA, maybe not. He’s got his own issues to work out first.
I knew his first game back was bad, so I wasn’t sure if he had improved since. He and Herget have regressed since being sent back down.
or so it seems
Salazar is at AAA having really bad outings recently… His ERA is above 13.00 right now…
Wheels have fallen off for Herget. Two starts now for bats and not good results.
Kevin Herget is this you? Lol Herget hasn’t had good starts at AAA. Not sure why they are trying. He has done decent as a relief pitcher that can cover multiple innings.
HAHAHA good one.. I agree JB, not sure why either
Kevin H with a sober self-assessment. 🙂
Weaver walking the tightrope
While juggling knives
More like chainsaws.
Phillips is pitching for the lookouts this afternoon
Hmm Didn’t know that.
How many times do Reds hitters need to strike out on check swings before they figure out it’s a bad idea to check your swing with two strikes? I believe it’s happened about one million times this season. Either swing or don’t swing.
I remember Pete Rose saying he never checked his swing when he had 2 strikes
India? Wth?
He was trying to kill the Astros rally and spare Weaver a distracting base runner.
lol
Now THAT was BAD. WOW.
Bad decision by Benson to dive for it to begin with and India looked like he was trying to throw a 60 yd touchdown. Obviously lost the grip I guess. Result: inside the parker.
India with the air-mail special delivery!
Lol. Rookies being rookies today. McLain had a bad at-bat with 1st/2nd nobody out and now a single into a little league HR. It happens. Still lot of game left
Stink. Fish. Pot!!! x4
I’m surprised they gave India an error on that. Lol
Because a double Stink. Fish. Pot!!! wasn’t enough 😛
I’m ok with the Reds losing today, but man I hate sloppy defense, especially from outfielders. Benson too often goes all in and dives, when he should simply catch the ball on a bounce.
See what hope has done for us, RLN fans?
Yeesh, this Reds defense. They’re all playing like they are hungover.
Benson’s talent is obvious. But his baseball IQ is a little lacking. Getting thrown out at 3rd last night and that dive for the ball instead of playing a single. I guess the positive side is he’s trying his best to make something happen.
He sometimes reminds me of a QB who tries to make every play. Sometimes, you throw it away and play it safe. D
Looking like the Bad News Bears. Ouch
Weaver lol. And this is without Alvarez or Altuve. It’s time for Kennedy or Mariota or whoever
Reds are 8-13 on getaway day.
Weaver is not going to be one of the answers….
Reds have three bullpen pitchers who haven’t pitched since at least Wednesday. Young and the other two who names I can;t spell
Honestly…the next start that Weaver has…he will walk out there with an ERA of over 7…..that is an embarrassment to your organization
Weaver = Batting practice. He needs to go as soon as Ashcraft is ready, which I think I heard is this week
I think its Saturday.
Amazing we’re only down three.
It’s Father’s Day so small sample size is out.
1.) Luke Weaver needs to be DFA’d. Cant give away games every 5th day.
2.) Nick Senzel has a very narrow niche now. Hes not an every day player. HE cant hit righties. Hes been squeezed out of the infield again, by the young guys this time. Hes not a great outfielder and hes not in the organization’s long terms plans. Can you keep a guy with that profile in a roster crunch?
Who is coming up to replace Weaver if Reds do that move? Phillips is still in AA, Stoudt coming off a injury I think and Herget and Salazar both struggling in triple A.
Someone Said Mariot, I haven’t seen his stats, however seems like same concept as Weaver and he hasn’t pitched in big leagues since 2016.
Thats above my pay grade. LOL. Weaver does 2 bad things. He loses games and he kills the bullpen which cant happen. Killing the bullpen is what cant happen. your going to lose games.
Id say trade for a rental now…Michael Lorenzen or other stop gap on a bad team to buy a month or 2. It shouldn’t cost much…A low minors arm and bat
Agree with both your post, I am looking at stats at lousville and as we know Starters there haven’t been great besides Abbott lol and maybe Williamson his last two starts before his call up.
I mean while following the reds, looking at stats of the minor league teams. Seems like a trade for a low level starter who is better than Weaver, or Lively would be on the table
The Reds need to find a replacement for Weaver and send him off to his next destination. They will have a hard time getting to the playoffs with this guy in the rotation. Time to make a deal GM. Work your magic.
Weaver should perhaps not be a starting any more games for the Reds. He’s not even an “innings eater.”
Newmans wild throw to first was just turned into an error. Not sure why it took that long.
I am happy to point out the mark of a good team on the rise is that they can position themselves to go for a 3 game sweep.Reds got one in KC,let on get away against LA and who knows what may happen today.Weaver needs to be better and much better cause his stuff is good enough but he just leaves way to many pitches in the middle of the plate.Reds in the field look like they are already on the plane,could be tired and I hope that is all it is.Next step for this team is when you get a chance to sweep you bare down even more.They will I am sure.
Road sweeps against very good teams are what very good teams do – not quite there yet, but road series wins are what good teams do – they’re getting into that habit.
Still – Weaver now an 8th-9th rotation option. There’s a crowd there. Need a 5th-6th option – see what Williamson does tomorrow.
Comeback wins are a challenge and we’re pretty good at it. Coming back when the other side keeps adding on border on impossible.
Weaver’s ERA getting closer to 7, time to turn the page on him.
Interesting Benson’s problems come when he tries to do too much. Extending doubles into triples, diving after balls instead of playing them conservatively, or trying to gun down a runner at 3B, instead of keeping the trailing runner from advancing.
So it doesn’t seem to be a talent issue as much as an eagerness to prove he belongs. Hopefully Bell gets him to settle down soon.
Good Assessment.. From the video replays I see, he is hustling. Thanks for sharing
Wil Benson’s fate has been sealed IMO. He shows poor judgement in right field and on the base paths. Let he try to figure it out in Louisville.
2 days ago his speed won the game – he’ll be fine with minor adjustments, which he seems to be making rather well considering how this season has gone.
Exactly, and he drew a walk today, and stole 2B. Later scoring on a Friedl single.
Have him DH maybe. He is an absolute adventure in right field.
Diving for a ball only looks bad if you don’t catch it.
If you never try then you’re playing too passive. I liked the attempt….didn’t work out.
What? Are you seriously advocating for one of the Reds’ best hitters to go back to AAA?
Are you seriously saying that Benson is a better hitter than McLain, India, Friedly and EDLC?
And yes Benson is awful in right field. It they want to keep his bat in the line up, use him as the DH. In Right field, he always has the deer in the headlights look.
It would really be nice to see CES tomorrow with lefties coming up. Rockies have been brutalized by Atlanta. Their pen has to be in tatters
Bullpen day/Williamson
Lively
Abbott
Love our chances
OK, Why is Bell giving Weaver an extra inning? This game is still winnable.
Bringing in the rookie. Waving the white flag.
Today’s possible W is being sacrificed for a healthier pen vs the Rockies
Would have been gone in GABP. Weaver fortunate it’s only a double.
Through 5 with no more damage. We know the BP can hold them down. Now we need to start up a hit parade of our own.
A big inning here Lets goo
Would be nice if Young and Duarte to go multiple innings here.
Way to go McLain. Leadoff base hit. 🙂
Parlayed Taillon over 2.5 er allowed with McLain run scored. Leadoff singles are good
Well I see your point but Weaver may have to take one for the team.As old-school said Weaver loses games and kills the pen and killing the pen is worse.In this case the Reds may not come back so for me just let him pitch.He knows he has to be better to stay.
Speed kills … and we like it a lot.
Glad De La Cruz didn’t get spiked there on that dive into 1B. Great speed for the hit.
Steer is due for a big knock today. Fraley is up first LOL got ahead of myself
Fraley Time 😀
Dumb dumb dumb. We deserve to lose today
What a Fraley TOOTBLAN.
Still, got another run in, at least.
Why are we watching from these young dudes
What…smh..
Edit function.lol
Oh come on Fraley. Good hit. BAD decision to go for 2nd.
Bad choice by Fraley there. ELDC was on 3rd regardless.
And Steer picks the boys up.
Somebody thought it was over? Never with this team
Huge difference between aggressive and reckless.
+1,000 exactly. Tucker plays a good RF and beat him by a country mile.
If Fraley had been on 1st, that Steer HR would have put the Reds up.
Hope it doesn’t come back to haunt.
WWWooooo there is the big hit from Steer 😀
However…IT’S STEER SEASON!!! Two run homer!!! 🙂
Astros pen has to be saying, “O CRAP! Here we go again.”
Dude, what is going on with this team. Lol I can’t believe what they are doing on a daily basis!
Dusty will probably switch from a toothpick to a spare bat.
Someone knows who’s the lady in the dugout?
For all the flash and dash around him, Steer is persistently contending for both NL ROY, and team MVP.
He looks like an old vet who just gets the job done, which is why he doesn’t get much attention.
It’s really hard to believe he’s a rookie.
Spence breakin bad. Solid as a rock
Come on Duarte. Get it done.
IF reds have a weakness in bullpen is the 7th and 8th guy. I think Cruz is okay
Ooooh boooy. Leadoff walk. That always works out well.
Deep breaths, Melvin. Keep Dennis’ nitro nearby.
Did this time 😛
Alright! No damage.
Was Elly safe? Or Benson in that steal? Thought both were out at first glance, but I’m blind
Slid into 1B to start and no throw to 3B on Fraley’s hit.
Both were safe….no replay necessary.
Benson has such a strange throwing motion. His whole body curls up like a shrimp.
Sims should be good and rested as should Diaz.
How can you replace Steer with Votto at this point
Don’t go there until we have to. You’ve gotta believe Votto wouldn’t intentionally want that to happen and hurt the team.
Thrall and Cowboy discussing that very point
That is the $20 million question. 😉
Money is spent regardless. It’s going to come down to a matter of personal pride in some way (Joey’s, HDTBell’s, Front Office).
I can’t see any scenario with Joey playing D again. I think he will strictly be a DH. And that this will be his last season with the Reds.
Tom, I think it is a $13 million question. $20 to stay, $7 to go … 🙂
As mentioned I have to believe he isn’t coming back to disrupt anything. All signs have pointed to him being helpful to the young guys and leading by example. CES has said Votto has helped him and I think Benson said same thing.
I for one think the 3rd catcher needs to go and that is one less issue if you want to call it that.
Point just made that a win today is a Texas Sweep!!! That would be fine with me.
They swept the Rangers?
Well I be darn they did. I was thinking two out of three lol
Yep. In TBP@A
Yep. Messed with Texas and put the misery in Missouri
Phillips must be part shark, he’s smelling blood in the water. 6 IP, 0 R, 8 K’s, on 82 pitches. The Reds would be a stretch, but he should go up to AAA, to see how he can do against tougher competition.
Yes. Try him in AAA. If he succeeds we have our starter without a trade. Just need Chapman. 😉
Steer is quickly becoming one of my favorite Reds. Dude is solid.
I’m a bigtime fan.
NICE job by Duarte! Hope he can keep that up!
Duarte does it again. 🙂
Two big innings from Duarte
Votto should have retired. Steer is better that Votto right now.
Steer is a solid player. He had earned his spot in the starting lineup.
Any word on Satallin? When he is coming back. I know he has pitched a few games
HECK YES India!!!!!
Hello! Bring out the broom now
INDIA!!! Right field HR to go ahead!!!
India….
Please remove him from your trade talks.
Look like India changed his hitting approach, became more of a power hitter. His average’s been slowly dropping but hitting more HRs. Maybe that’s the job of clean up hitter
They don’t quit.
Alrighty then … is it going to be Sims and Diaz for the sweep attempt?
Brewers scored four in the bottom of the eighth and lead Pirates 5-2 in the ninth.
Altuve thinking he had the day off … PSYCH!!!
He looked like he hadn’t planned to play on that AB. Nice, filthy pitch from Sims to get him.
Report from Louisville Newspaper, Votto in Cincy Monday. Will probably play Monday, not Tuesday. Monday, even though lefthanded pitcher because that pitcher has backwards analytics.
No word on who’s moving down/out, though.
Fairchild on the IL possibly?
They’ll keep that close to the vest. Could well be the 14-year-old to the IL just to kick the decision can down the road a bit.
Woah. David Bell took Newman out of the game again.
Defensive precaution. I’m in favor of that move.
Me too. Just surprised.
Clearly a good move.
I wonder if it has to do with the Votto news. Just reported by the newspaper, Votto in Cincinnati Monday playing.
Steer should play first base. Votto makes a good player for the bench. He was terrible last year, and he is just not as good as Steer. Play the best players. We waited long enough for this team.
+1000000
That’s not the argument though? Steer or CES to the OF and then DH/1B for Joey and the other one. Can Joey outproduce Stephenson at DH is the question? Or Benson who would be squeezed out and Fairchild too?
I don’t think you’ll see Votto play every day. It’s just not justifiable at the moment. He’ll probably play DH against righties, but not every day. Good weapon off the bench. I was convinced a couple of weeks ago that they’d try to force Votto in there every day when he’s back, but now is NOT the time.
He was hurt last year and tried to play through it, even he himself said so. Votto when healthy is as good as Steer or anyone. Sorry, the dislike of some for Votto is maddening lol
and I like Steer and he is a good player
This is the best Sims has ever been.
I was wrong & Brantley was right. He could be a closer
Fraley to Bregman- Not so fast my friend
Yow – Gamecast had the Bregman flyout as over the fence – was it at the wall?
Wow! What a catch by Fraley. lol Though for a second that ball was gone.
Nice grab by Fraley right at the scoreboard.
That homemade pizza tonight might just be in celebration rather than drowning my sorrows. I’m wondering if there is a beer in the upstairs fridge 😛
I don’t drink. You can have the beer. Just give me “A Coke and a Smile” please. Coke 0 that is. 😉
I am allergic to alcohol, so you can have one for me Mark 😛
Give me a Coffee lol
I’ve never had a cup of coffee in my life.
This team really doesn’t quit. It has been fun to watch.
I have been very critical of Bell, but I have to give him credit now…his team is playing together and has a ton of fight. And often decisions of his that I disagree with are working out well…especially his bullpen management, lineups, and playing time for Newman.
Sometimes it sucks to be humbled, but to keep an honest heart, I must admit when I am wrong.
Hopefully the winning continues.
Sims and Diaz combo is like Williams and Hader combo. Sims really has been on an unbelievable streak.
You’ve got Farmer as a guy with a 2.40 ERA who can start the late-inning chain when the Reds are ahead in the seventh. Then Sims, then Diaz.
Agree. Did the Brewers have a 3rd good bullpen pitcher? Let’s compare the triplets 🙂
Steer, has to continue to play. Probably left field and 1st rotation with Votto playing 1st and DH. That is until CES shows up and then… Who knows? But CES needs to be in the mix asap!!! Senzel looks like the odd man out.
I would agree on Senzel. He just can’t hit righties. He’s terrific on defense at third, but with this team, good defense does not overshadow a Mendoza-line split.
Sorry, not the Louisville paper but the Enquirer:
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/2023/06/18/joey-votto-back-on-bus-headed-back-to-cincinnati-reds-lineup/70334402007/
Gibault is warming up? File that under “thinks that make you go HMMMM” 😮
No kidding.
Granted, if it works. HDTBell is “brilliant” 😀
Different Pena that we saw in the 1st inning yesterday
Gibaut closing? Idk? He’s been good, but closing is alot more pressure
Runners in 1st and 3rd now. Hmmmmm.
Trying to give Diaz two days off in a row. I would bring back Simms
I would bring Simms back out, however I am not the manager lol
Hmmm, no Diaz again. Something must be wrong.
Diaz not warming up.
Must be Sims for 2.
I’m ok with letting Nick S. Go on his way
He crushes left handed pitching though, and Fraley doesn’t. To me they can split time in left field.
Senzel also plays third base really well
I cannot believe Gibault is going to close out the 9th here. We got a chance to have an eight-game winning streak heading home and sweep the world champions on their home field and Sims is throwing the ball unbelievably well and Diaz has only pitched 1 inning since Wed in KC. I hope this turns out okay but I don’t have a good feeling about it and I really, really don’t understand it
The only answer to that is that Diaz must have told Bell he is not available.
Okay but Sims is throwing the ball great
Better not mean Diaz will be traded.
The fact Diaz isnt pitching really point s out how tenuous the overusage of the bullpen is. Hope Gibault gets it done but Reds need Chapman now. Dominant lefty who can close.
Chapman YES
He has not been very good his last three or four times out compared to earlier in the year.
Ball 3 was strike 1
Please.
Call the FBI. Senzel appears to be a Serial Rally Killer.
Here we go again.
Remember Diaz pitched 4 out of 5 games though. So two days off is probably needed.
Ok, Gibaut is done with his warm up now. Or maybe Bell can old him to pitch around Bregman. Smh
I admit though why isn’t Young in there as he hasn’t pitched since Wendesday
Good try be Benson.
If no Diaz…
why not Gibault 8th and Sims 9th.?
Great point!!!
Have I mentioned how much I hate lead-off walks by our relievers (or anybody)?
Weak foul that just kept traveling. That’s a pretty low wall.
Dennis, I think Mark hacked your email account?
Or vice versa 🙂
Add Stephenson to the “defense looks hungover” pile.
One down.
Big strikeout!
Sims at 13 pitches. Hmm? Not 2nd guessing, but I would’ve ran him back out there. He throws 20+ pitch innings all the time
UGH!! That K is bigger now than it would have been.
Focus on DIaz. He’s been swinging well today.
NOT like that!!!
Wow. Here comes the Bell bashers. They’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting
Well . . . TBF.
+5,000
Lmao Indy. You bash him as well. You are the biggest flip flopper I’ve ever seen.
He’s been better lately but this was a stupid decision. They had an off day Thursday and nobody of consequence pitched yesterday, so Sims certainly could have finished this out …plus Gibaut has been crappy the last few times out. We got totally lucky to get t0 extras cuz that ball with the bases loaded was a rocket luckily right at third for the double play. A leadoff walk, 2 gits and a roxket at 3rd DP…not good. Pulling Sims was just a moronic decision. We might get lucky and win but that’s not the point, it was a poor decision regardless.
Diaz please. Use him if possible.
Have I mentioned that hope is a dangerous thing?
I get we don’t know much at all, but trying to explain how HDTBell makes the choice to pitch Gibault is beyond me. WAY beyond me.
You will never figure it out. None of us ever will— not even Bell.
It was mentioned if Diaz wasn’t avaiable, and I assume Farmer isn’t either. Then why not Gibaut in the 8th and Simms in the 9th inning. I go back and forth, however this is confusing to me, and Young hasn’t pitched since Wednesday. Is he hurt?
Nobody on planet Earth except for David Bell thanks Gibaut instead if Sims should be closing this game if Diaz is out…… one of the life’s great mysteries.
I meant I go back on fourth trying to understand Bell’s logic LOL
Tie game. Yuck.
David Bell strikes again. Gibaut has been pretty crappy the last few times out and Sims has been awesome. Why in the hell would you not let Sam’s finish this out? This L in the end of the winning streak and the momentum is on David Bell 100%
I heard that!!! Stupid move. Bell move.
A Bell Bonehead Move. We are used to those
Got to save Diaz for Colorado. SMH. I hate when teams play for the next game instead of trying to win the game at hand.
Each game counts doesn’t it, JB? Why not win the game you already are winning?
Gibaut as closer. Whose idea was that? And why is he still pitching?
How big is that Fraley TOOTBLAN looking right about now?
Freakin’ HUGE!
Hope India is just shaken up and not hurt on that take-out.
Extremely dumb move by Bell to bring in Gibaut. He just can’t help himself. Should have pitched Sims one more inning,..or gone to Diaz. Either would have been acceptable. But Bell decides to pull a Bell move. Another game his asininity has cost us a win. Dadburn it!!! Now we’ll have to win it in extras. Hope India is not hurt.
Wow. Double play! India hurt.
Fight on!
So now the even more interesting question: Will Diaz be used at all? Like in the bottom of the 10th?
if So RLN will explode lol… As thought is he needed two days off as he has been over used?
I should say my thought lol
If Diaz pitches the 10th, Bell has no explanation.
YEP
Wow. Extras
Still have Young and Legumina not yet in this series.
Dusty pretty much burned Pressley. I believe I heard them say their DH position is spent. We know our guys have some speed, though the “ghost runner” is TySteve for the 10th.
The high school baseball critics are out in full force.
Now this is 2nd guessing, but Farmer is so efficient that even with alot of appearances his pitch counts aren’t high. I’d rather use him too
+500 had a similar thought.
India going to hit but limping.
Huge DP. Hope India is ok.
Man terrible throw by Bregman.
Oh my. Friedl down. Hope no concussion.
I need some Tylenol
My brain hurts
Throwing the elbow at TJ looks like a cheap shot.
Really want 2 or 3 runs to create some cushion.
I hate to see the collision, of course. But, I absolutely love to see major league ball players, especially Reds, who can bunt.
Man I hate WILD THING was sent down.
LOL, I busted out laughing at that
TJ friedl and Jon India are busting their tails to win baseball games.
hahaha Not hurt too bad. Tag up at 1B by Friedl.
Legit
😀
Great Hustle and aggressive baserunning.
India might be day to day after this. That guy is a horse.
Oh my word!!! That HIT him??? Insult to injury.
Time for ELDC to find the Crawford Boxes.
Fairchild for India. Now I’m wondering how we shuffle the IF. I’m thinking MattyMc comes in to play and we punt the DH.
Stephenson to 1b ,steer 3b and senzel 2b and new C
I think you’re right on there.
If they don’t want to lose the DH Steer could play 2B. Catcher to 1B. Maybe not a good idea though.
Just checked, and yes, Steer has played 2b, a few games last season, and a bit more in MiLB. Can do it all.
Can’t do that OS.
Keep the defense in tact…no more runs needed.
Burn the DH
EDLC is just missing these pitches. Fouling off until he gets it.
Nice time for a De La Cruz homerun
You already got Steers. Your good but not that good.
Good thing Dennis isn’t here. I don’t think he could take it. 🙂
I was just thinking about that. he’d be on his O2 tank.
Clutch!!!
Great battle Elly!!!!
Fantastic plate discipline
I agree. It seems to me the major league pitchers are going to keep the ball down on the tall guy. If Elly wants more offense, he needs to learn how to hit the low balls, probably.
That’ll do, EDLC. Pass it to Fraley to knock in another one.
And that was a legit MLB PA by ELDC.
+10,000
Completely legit. And his speed helps produce the 3rd run of the inning.
It is too easy to forget the guy is only 21; and part of what he has to grow into is bringing that full focus to the plate with him all the time.
Fraley 41 Ribeyes playing part time.
Saved us a run. EDLC!!!
Okay Young…get it done.
Elly!!!
Ok, now I understand Bell’s strategy. He wanted the Reds to win it in the 10th— not the 9th. Lol!
Man, I can’t take much more of this, gonna have to take up smoking again 😀
I kidd of course
Lol can you smoke on the mound Herget?
😀
9 runs on 9 hits and leading even with the 2 errors and that one TOOTBLAN earlier.
Who are we gonna see for the 10th? Lower part of the Astros order now. Dusty will mow through another box of toothpicks.
The baseball truth is this team doesn’t need the distraction of Votto or Myers unless somebody already on the active roster is too injured to play.
Absolutely agree
Team just doesn’t quit. Love it.
Good move by Bell sending EDLC. Saved the DP and resulted in another run. Just saying.
So Diaz must be gassed. I get that. Still don’t get Gibault in that super-high pressure inning.
Gibault has been one of Bell’s high pressure guys.
2 of his last 3 outings have been “challenging”. Had we not seen that, I’d agree.
Likewise, especially with Young now pitching in the 10th after not pitching 3 days
Not so much Diaz, as why not Sims, who was cruising?
My bad on the Astros order. Back to the top. But this is our best defensive alignment out there aside from catcher.
Votto is coming no matter what, but I can’t see any possible reason to add Myers right now. They will at least exhaust his rehab time.
Young now the DH, FWIW, 1 hit in 29 PA.
Fraley is another one that many think we don’t need long term, but only started the rally with a bomb and has 3 rbis
Give Bregman his due. He’s been on fire today. Time to shut down Tucker.
Come on Young. One more out!
Done
Does the “ghost runner count as a earned run? shows it in the box score
opps, never mind
And this one belongs to the Reds.
What a sweep!!!
Wow. This team is fun
Yep. ‘Stros trying to flash their big boy tough guy pants in the 9th and 10th but the Reds stood them down.
Wow. Swept the Astros in their park. Eight game winning streak.
All Aboard!!! Melvin you know who is driving the bandwagon?
Hahaha!!! 😀
Popcorn anyone??
Ballgame!
America’s team.
The National Anthem might have an even bigger meaning for the Reds now. 🙂
Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it, and I don’t care who hears it: This was a pretty good road trip.
Sorry for going crazy like that, but it needed to be said.
Man. You need to control yourself. 😉
Nice to see India in the post game celebration and jogging off the field. Dude is tough as nails. Has to be extended and a main cog of the future. He is the leader, heart, and soul. His style is becoming the identity of this team.
I just can’t get my mind on this.
I mean, I remember hearing all the talk on here, from all the baseball pundits, most everyone, that this team wasn’t going to be that good, not in the running, etc.
But, especially with this streak, such a young team, 8 straight wins, all on the road, the last 3 against last year’s WS champs? Simply amazing.
Yet another game the Reds won in spite of Bell, not because of him.
Bell is lucky he has talented enough players to bail him out.
Now, I’m just wondering what’s going to happen with Votto. The Enquirer has he’s going to be playing Monday. I would think the Reds have to make some move for that to happen.
The Reds have done something really outstanding winning 8 of 9 games on the roadtrip…. Total Unexpected!… But they have started to believe in themselves that can make it… holly sh…
SWEEP!!! and 8-1 on this road trip.
What a series, what a game. Hope India is OK, but he can always DH or rest (especially with Joey back tomorrow)
Great game and well this team doesn’t quit. I didn’t understand usage of pitchers there and probably never will.
I for one am excited to see Votto back in uniform and being the good teammate he has become. I would suspect one of the catchers will be dfa tomorrow. Maile I would guess.
I do hope Myer as well is DFA as no room for him..
Should be interesting folks
SWEEP!
Sweet. Still cannot listen to (or watch) the games (ongoing MLB audio issues), only able to follow here and on ESPN GameCast. This is an intriguing team.
Go REDS.
Hope you’re able to get it fixed soon. Any Reds fan ought to be able to enjoy this.
Thanks. I’ve tried everything. MLB is unresponsive/unhelpful. Going to call upon a tech expert later this week. Have hated being unable to listen to the entire series with the Astros. Regardless, very encouraged by this team!!!
This is amazing. Proud of these boys
Now I’m frustrated. I’m trying to watch the post-game and all I get are commercials.
Who are the Reds still paying? I mean, doesn’t Junior’s money come off the books after this season? Wasn’t there something with Moose, also?
Junior’s money is peanuts compared to what they are paying Joey and what they threw into the 4M pot. But only Joe’s counts as “payroll” as I understand it. The rest is sunk cost payouts.
Votto, Moose and Jr. all off the books after next year unless the Reds pick up Votto’s option. Hope he is incredible the rest of the year and makes it a hard decision.
8 game winnnig streak. Kudos to the Reds, and lets hope the bullpen at some point becomes rested LOL
Oh, and Young should be available tomorrow right. 11 pitches thrown, Sims 13 pitches thrown should be available. As well as Farmer and Diaz.
Legumina hasn’t pitched in four days now. So he should be good too.
Maybe let Farmer open it for 2 innings?
Sounds good to me lol…
Everyone understand who leads the team in wins? Tied for second in the NL! (love it)
Great Jim Day interview by India. Love the confidence that he’ll be back in there tomorrow (even if he isn’t). He was walking a little better as they ended that piece.
On to Sam and Brian for the post-game. Sam has to be giddy 😀
Crash Davis to Nuke Laloosh … “Don’t mess with a streak!”
Believe it, and live it! The tide has turned…
Daniel Duarte – 2 very quiet innings, 1 BB – more of that will keep the bullpen healthy all season.
I’m for plugging Votto in when he comes back. If people think inserting Votto into the Reds lineup is going to mess with success, crush momentum, vibes, etc.., I think they are superstitious and overdramatic. Look at all of this year’s lineups and you will generally find a player who is a lesser hitter than (even) aging Votto. Also, if there is a magic about this season, it’s about the flow of reinforcements and widespread contribution. Votto will be able to adapt to his place in the lineup and to what the pitchers are giving him. He stands to gain from all the speed on the basepaths as a distraction.
It’s certainly possible that he will flail, but my gut says that now’s the time to bring him into the excitement, both out of loyalty and that I think he will be another force in the lineup.
For example in today’s lineup Votto could have played 1B and Steer 3B. Lots of ways to do it.
I’m with you. I don’t think Votto would like to be moved defensively. But, I don’t think Votto would have a problem playing, for example, 6 of 10 games, or 5 of 9 games. I doubt seriously Votto wants to “create a mess”. And, I believe the club owes him the opportunity.
As long as, if Votto plays bad, he accepts sitting, but hopefully, Votto brings on an MVP bat.
Not unless he brings an MVP bat this season, I believe the Reds don’t pay for the option year. I believe Votto is gone after this season. Unfortunately.
Kind of getting tired of people who never been paid to manage a team complaining about the management of a team on an eight game winning streak. Baseball is all about overcoming adversity and the 2023 Reds have been doing that. Keep it up Reds
Alright, I’ve got to ask something.
I mean, I saw the Padres’ uniforms just the other day. Something special, like a pastel green and pink, I believe.
Then, I see the “Red Sox”, they look blue and yellow.
Is there something I missed? I mean, even if it’s for Pride Month, I can handle that. I just feel like I missed something.
Those are their city connects.
467 comments (and growing)!!
I’m not sure how it works, but hopefully that means some dinero in Doug’s piggy bank.
If not for all the injuries none of the young guys would even be here yet and we would be fighting St Louis for last place.Baseball is a funny game.
There is literally zero truth to that statement, unless you’re referring to Abbott.