Update: This game has been postponed. Doubleheader tomorrow with game one at 1:35pm ET and game two at 6:05pm ET.
Cincinnati’s offense didn’t waste time last night, getting out to an early lead and Andrew Abbott and the bullpen took care of the rest as the Reds beat the Pirates 9-2 on Friday night. Tonight the Reds go for a second straight win in Pittsburgh at PNC Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm ET.
Starting Lineups
Cincinnati Reds
|
Pittsburgh Pirates
|
| TJ Friedl – CF | Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B |
| Matt McLain – 2B | Bryan Reynolds – LF |
| Elly De La Cruz – SS | Andrew McCutchen – DH |
| Spencer Steer – 3B | Connor Joe – 1B |
| Joey Votto – 1B | Henry Davis – RF |
| Tyler Stephenson – C | Endy Rodriguez – C |
| Henry Ramos – DH | Josh Palacios – CF |
| Will Benson – RF | Liover Peguero – 2B |
| Stuart Fairchild – LF | Alika Williams – SS |
| Brandon Williamson – LHP | Andre Jackson – RHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Brandon Williamson | 75.1 | 4.54 | 1.26 | 29 | 64 |
| Andre Jackson | 22.2 | 5.16 | 1.10 | 3 | 23 |
| Links: Brandon Williamson’s Stats | Andre Jackson’s Stats |
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Brandon Williamson
In his last start, Williamson likely had his best start in his career. The lefty allowed a run in 6.2 innings on three hits, no walks, and he had nine strikeouts against the Marlins. The start before that was the only poor start he’d had in over a month, so it was a nice rebound.
Teams are not allowing many left-handed hitters face Williamson this season. The ones that do get in there haven’t done much. Lefties do walk at a good clip, but they don’t hit for average or hit for any power at all. Righties haven’t hit for much average, either, and they aren’t walking much. What they are doing is hitting for a good amount of power.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 251 | 54 | 16 | 1 | 13 | 22 | 53 | .237 | .307 | .487 |
| LHH | 61 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 11 | .231 | .317 | .269 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | Cutter | Change | Slider | Curve | |
| Velo | 92.9 | 89.0 | 84.3 | 81.7 | 73.1 |
| Usage | 36% | 28% | 14% | 15% | 7% |
Andre Jackson
Picked up by the Pirates from the Dodgers in late June, Jackson has only pitched in two games with Pittsburgh at the big league level. They’ve been quality outings, though, firing off 5.0 perfect innings with seven strikeouts out of the bullpen. Today will be his first big league start. He’s made four starts in the minor leagues this season.
His splits in the big leagues are below, and they’re interesting. He has one walk and 12 strikeouts against righties in the majors this season, but in the minor leagues he has 19 walks and 27 strikeouts against righties this season. In the big leagues righties are hitting for a good average and tons of power against him, they just haven’t walked much at all. Lefties haven’t hit much against him at all at either level this season.
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 48 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 12 | .277 | .292 | .575 |
| LHH | 46 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 11 | .205 | .239 | .341 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | Curve | Cutter | Change | |
| Velo | 95.3 | 82.9 | 87.2 | 87.1 |
| Usage | 40% | 1% | 16% | 43% |
When and Where
- Game time: 7:05pm ET
- Where: PNC Park
- Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 77°, cloudy, 20% chance of rain
News and Notes
Nick Lodolo’s 1st rehab start goes well
Last night the lefty pitched two shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out four batters in the Arizona Complex League. According to the Reds game notes he threw 22 pitches during his outing.
Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Brewers | 63 | 54 | 0.0 | 79.0% |
| Reds | 61 | 57 | 2.5 | 24.1% |
| Cubs | 60 | 56 | 2.5 | 55.3% |
| Pirates | 52 | 64 | 10.5 | 0.2% |
| Cardinals | 51 | 66 | 12.0 | 0.3% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
Let’s secure the series win tonight and get the sweep on Sunday.
I hope that the different lineup works again tonight.
Throw another good game tonight Brandon.
Can anyone please explain the love affair of always starting Fairchild? I like him and his speed and defense, but why not give Hopkins a shot? Fairchild is a pretty good defensive replacement (plays maybe too safe,but smart) and has value over someone like a 3rd catcher.
Fairchild is starting instead of Fraley because he has performed the best among the Red’s bench players, including Hopkins, at the MLB level.
I don’t think that’s a fair comparison at all. Hopkins has had only 24 at bats this year and that’s it for his career. Fairchild has had nearly 300 and has only batted around .230 for it. I think, logically, that Hopkins could be a better hitter if given a greater shot at doing so. But, we won’t know because he has had only 1 at-bat since being called back up. His defense is comparable to Fairchild.
The underlying assumption you are suggesting is that only MLB at bats count. The Reds have seen both players play a lot. They are playing the player they feel puts them in the best position to win. Fairchild’s performance at the big league level is solid, though unspectacular. Frankly, he would start on several teams–few have three above-average outfielders.
Batting average is only one aspect of a player’s hitting value. Fairchild has an OPS+ of 89–he’s 11 percent below average as a hitter. For comparison’s sake, Hopkins is at minus 4. Of note, Fairchild is currently 7 points below his career average and at his lowest point this year. We can expect improvement from both players, but Fairchild has an actual MLB track record of delivering slightly below-league-average results. Fair or not, Hopkins doesn’t have that track record. Plus, Fairchild is faster and likely the better fielder.
Fairchild has been a subpar MLB player. Hopkins has never been given a chance. In AAA though, where both have had plenty of AB’s, Hopkins has been the better player.
@BK, I think saying Fairchild would start on several teams is not only a stretch, but I don’t think he’d be a backup OF on many teams either.
Realistically, he’s a corner OFer only, as he’s a VERY poor CF defender statistically (-17.7 uzr/150, -3 drs). Corner OF bats carry a 103 wRC+ across the league per Fangraphs. Fairchild has an wRC+ of 88. He’s had 1 xBH in his last 9 games started. He’s quite significantly below average for a corner.
And as Jason states, he’s gotten enough PAs that we know what he can (and cannot) do. He’s never widely impressed at any level.
It’s simply not too hard to replace the level of below average production in a corner bat, and if the Reds have other options such as they do with Hopkins, it’s time to give them a shot. There is little downside to doing it.
He wouldn’t be starting as much if Fraley wasn’t injured.
It’s really a mystery. Hopkins has been up for quite a while now and Bell just won’t play him… no matter what the circumstances are.
…and Hopkins has shown he’s a better player than Fairchild in AAA.
AAA stats don’t always translate to the major and Hopkins only has a slight advantage in his hitting stats. Fairchild is faster and an equal or better defender.
Good vibes only. Lessgooo!!
i keep seeing game postponed and double header tomorrow??
I just heard that too.
Weather??
Yep, just confirmed on the pregame show. Fun day for the bullpen. I think they said It’s going to be a day night doubleheader separate gates…
maybe the Reds can take both of them and really get on a roll
Wondering who our call up pitcher will be tomorrow.
That sucks. Doesn’t bode well for a sweep.
the game has been postponed, z and the stupid cubs won.
Day night double header tomorrow.
Here’s all you need to know about Bell The Brilliant! During the post-game interview from last night’s game. DTBell was asked to comment about shuffling his slumping team’s lineup (batting order). This is what he said while smiling “I think we’ll stick with it” followed by “You really don’t like to make too many changes…” Seriously? A manager’s job is to Observe, Analyze, Make Adjustments/CHANGES, i.e. react in a positive manner AND Instruct/Correct after misplays on the base paths and in the field. It took 8 losses in a 9 game stretch before Bell made any changes! This is what you get when you make a legacy (name) hire with NO major league experience!
I am hoping the Red’s talent & spirited play will carry them to a NL playoff spot.
Again, the next 8 game stretch will be crucial to that playoff goal. Keep in mind after the Brewers play 2 more games against the listless White Sox, they have 3 games at LA (Dodgers) and then finish their 9-game road trip wit 3 games at Texas (Rangers)! After the Reds finish the Pie-Rats series they return to GABP for 2 games against the Indians (I do not recognize the Guardians) and the 3 games against Toronto! Times a Wastin’!
Well, it had a 20% chance of rain but as Williamson was schedule to start the chance of rain grew up to 100%…let’s see tomorrow how will be the weather… IDK but i’d rather this game has been played tonight in regular conditions.. The good is the Reds bullpen gets another rest day..
Senzel isn’t in the Bats lineup.
Hope that doesn’t mean he’s headed back to the big club!
I am hoping for a DFA, get him off the 40 man.
He has 72 hours to report I believe. Funny how the guys called up hustle there like their hair was on fire and backside acatching but the guy going back usually takes his time 😉
I have hunch that neither Senzel or his agent are particularly pleased with this turn of events.
That the Reds hung on to Fairchild and optioned Senzel: Ouch!
I’ve got to admit, Krall has shown some huevos in cutting ties: Shogo, Moose, The Chad, Myers.
Now Senzel.
JV might not want The Bull making the call on picking up his option.
Senzel has done nothing to help himself this year. While he has 72 hours to report, taking his time will not endear him to the Reds or other teams. He needs to play and improve his hitting against RHP.
I hope the bill is here to decline JVs option. Money can be spent on other players.
“Krall has shown some ‘eggs’ in cutting ties…?”
Gringo, it is “bolas” not “huevos” that you probably meant to write, Si?
Fairchild took his full time when he was sent back in June then again after his 3 day call up at the start of July.
If a player can stretch his reporting window through a weekend, that is quite a nice break given that Monday is a universal off day in the minors.
The Reds website gives Senzel’s option date as the 11th of August. Depending on exactly how they count the days, his reporting window may not even close by today’s Bats game. It is quite possible they excused him until reporting time Tuesday, especially with Bats in Minnesota this week then moving to Iowa for next week.
He’s in a meeting. Lol
I doubt he reports. Boras will use some legal wrangling (player grievance) or he will come down with some mysterious ailment and will be put on the DL instead of being optioned. We’ve seen this before. I doubt he plays 1 inning for Louisville.
He certainly doesn’t improve his standing with the Reds if he doesn’t report and play, i doubt that he improves his value to other teams if he doesn’t report and play, and if he comes across as pouty and uncooperative. Not a good look for a complainer about playing time to not hustle to get playing time.
Richardson is listed as the Saturday probable for the AAA Bats. That one doesn’t go till 8pm EDT. Maybe they will scratch him; and, he will pitch for the Reds tomorrow instead? But believe they would need an IL move because he hasn’t been down the minimum 15 days for pitchers
Why do they would call a pitcher up tomorrow? Ashcraft is injured? I think shouldn’t there be a problem about Williamson since he went to start tonight so I guess Ashcraft should start the second game…shouldn’t he?
Welcome to Redleg nation where people like to float rediculous thoughts
You get a 27th player(extra pitcher) for doubleheaders.
Why? To have used the extra doubleheader player to get an MLB start from Richardson with the rotation then pushed back a day which is never a bad thing to do at this time of year when there is a quality starter to take the start.
I think you get an exception for the double-header situation. He has to go back after tomorrow, though, so it isn’t permanent.
Yep, anyone on the 40-man is eligible tomorrow for the DH.
MLBTR posted this about Jonathan India. I’m reading it as he waited to long and now he actually did do more damage. 2023 is in jeopardy for him now.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/08/jonathan-india-to-remain-on-10-day-il-until-at-least-september.html
Trust me, you can make it worse. It’s not something you ‘play through’.
Might be a good idea to just shut it down and heal.
I’ve suffered with PF on and off my adult life.
It’s a serious injury which may seem like less than that.
It can take a long time to clear up and is easily reaggravated.
Good habits and regular stretching can help keep it at bay.
I’d love to see JI back, but hope he takes it slow slow slow.
A tear could mean surgery and that’s a mess.
Bone spurs forming can be a bad outcome, too.
Oh yeah … I’m thinking this is very serious. I think he pressed it too long and it’s now in really bad shape. Second opinion will likely confirm it.
Yeah, who knows how long he’s been dealing with it and how much it affected his play before calling it out.
The bigger question is why did he play on it for a month or whatever it is after they knew he had this problem? Maybe he kept it to himself and didn’t tell anyone but I kind of doubt that
As an FYI anybody has the Stadium channel(over the air for me in Northern Kentucky) the bats are currently airing. Saint Paul announcers.
The Reds need the sweep tomorrow. Every game went against them tonight. Milwaukee, Chicago, and Miami all won. Have the Reds swept a doubleheader during Bell’s tenure?
I’m not sure there’s been a doubleheader during Bell’s tenure. In the ‘old days’ a Sunday doubleheader was not unusual. Sort of like the land-line and the printed newspaper.
The Reds have played two games on more than one occasion in the last few years. I just haven’t taken the time to look them up. Because of Bell’s lineup and pitching quirks, I’m thinking they haven’t. I’m just not sure.
With the postponement, it will give them all a good chance to regroup and come out like a Bengal Tiger.
And here’s hoping the Pirates do not come out as Steelers.
MArk Sheldon on his MLB. Com page has some injury updates. Tejay Antone some vagueness after being scratched for a scheduled appearance. Greene and Lodolo look promising. Fraley not imminent but no bad news. Looks like Gutierrez got roughed up last night.
It was just 2 summers ago- where Santillan and Gutierrez were penciled in as core guys for the 2022/23/24 pitching staffs. Ouch.
Santillan in particular shows you how volatile MiL pitching can be. He was supposed to be a viable starting pitcher, and now might not even be a viable reliever. Going back in time, Finnegan, Cingrani, Romano, and Cody Reed come to mind as guys who in the MiLs looked like they would become solid ML starters, and yet they didn’t even make it as successful relievers for long or at all.
We’ve been very lucky so far with Greene, Lodolo, and Ashcraft. They still have work to do of course. But of the group of Phillips, Richardson, Petty, Aguiar, the Reds will be VERY fortunate to get one good starter and one good reliever. They other two will likely flame out.
Then we have Lowder, who has a higher floor and is probably in a class by himself.
On Saturday Gutierrez and Santillan were roughed up for 6 runs in 1.1+ innings. Gutierrez gave up 4 (all earned in 1.1 innings). Santillan allowed 2 runs (earned) and did not record an out.
I think we can assume India will be out for 23. The good news is that this was likely affecting his production. He’s an old time gamer and likely tried to play through it. Hopefully he and Tyler will be totally healthy next season and return to their previous form. With the pitching staff healthy and the discovery of a couple new pitchers who have been pleasant additions we could be a very good team in 24.
India has always been an old school player that tries to tough it out and be in the lineup everyday. Something that he should be commended for, but he is no fool. He could see the success and ability of the young talent that the Reds have added. McClain, EDLC, Steer, CES… not to mention the youngster waiting in the wings. The MLB is tough, sometimes you lose playing time to someone coming up and an organization moves on. I would guess this was a motivating factor to play through pain.
Yeah, a lot of guys have lost their everyday job as a result of being out for an injury and only one of them was named Wally Pipp 😉
A good start wasted…. bats going to have to come back