Photo: Redleg Nation Staff

St. Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds – September 8, 2023

09/08/2023

The Cincinnati Reds will be opening up a 3-game series this evening against the last place St. Louis Cardinals. Cincinnati enters the night a half-game out of the final wild card spot. Tonight’s contest is on Apple TV+. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40pm ET.

Starting Lineups

St. Louis Cardinals	Cincinnati Reds
Tommy Edman – SS	Harrison Bader – CF
Tyler O’Neill – LF	Spencer Steer – 2B
Paul Goldschmidt – 1B	Hunter Renfroe – DH
Nolan Arenado – 3B	Elly De La Cruz – SS
Willson Contreras – C	Nick Senzel – LF
Luken Baker – DH	Christian Encarnacion-Strand – 1B
Nolan Gorman – 2B	Stuart Fairchild – RF
Jordan Walker – RF	Noelvi Marte – 3B
Lars Nootbaar – CF	Luke Maile – C
Drew Rom – LHP	Andrew Abbott – LHP

Starting Pitchers

Pitcher	IP	ERA	WHIP	BB	K
Andrew Abbott	95.0	3.22	1.20	36	104
Drew Rom	13.2	7.24	1.90	8	11
Links: Andrew Abbott’s Stats \| Drew Rom’s Stats

Andrew Abbott

From July 31st through the end of August, Abbott struggled. He made six starts and had an ERA of 6.67. He struggled with his control, walking 15 batters in 27.0 innings pitched. But in his last start he allowed one run in 6.1 innings with just two walks against the Cubs in a Reds 2-1 victory.

Lefties haven’t been able to do much this season with Abbott on the mound. They have just three walks and 24 strikeouts while posting an OPS just over .500 against him. Right-handed hitters have not hit for much average, but they have a good walk rate against him and have hit for a solid amount of power.

Splits

Split	PA	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG
RHH	323	66	18	1	11	33	80	.232	.307	.418
LHH	67	12	1	0	2	3	24	.188	.224	.297

Pitch Usage

	4-seam	Curve	Slider	Change
Velo	92.6	80.8	82.9	86.5
Usage	50%	17%	16%	17%

Drew Rom

The rookie left-hander is returning home to pitch for the first time. Rom was born in Cincinnati and was drafted out of Highlands High School in Fort Thomas by the Orioles in the 4th round of the 2018 draft (acquired by the Cardinals at this years trade deadline). This will be his 4th big league start. In his most recent start he allowed three runs with three walks and a strikeout in 4.2 innings to Pittsburgh.

The splits against Rom are interesting. He holds lefties to a lower average, but he does walk them more frequently and they hit for more power than righties do. Right-handed hitters, though, hit for a high average and have a good walk rate against him – so they’re getting on base a lot against him.

Splits (AAA & MLB)

Split	PA	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG
RHH	366	93	18	1	5	41	89	.293	.380	.403
LHH	141	27	4	1	5	17	40	.225	.340	.400

Pitch Usage (AAA & MLB)

	4-seam	2-seam	Slider	Change	Split
Velo	91.3	89.2	80.8	83.9	84.1
Usage	49%	20%	23%	1%	6%

When and Where

Game time: 6:40pm ET
Where: Great American Ball Park
Watch: Apple TV+
Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
Forecast: 77°, cloudy, 15% chance of rain

News and Notes

Joey Votto and Jonathan India to Triple-A

The Reds could be close to adding Joey Votto and Jonathan India back to the big league roster, but first they’ll be making a stop in Louisville. And that stop begins tonight when both of them join the Bats to start their rehab assignments. We’ve got a few more details from earlier today right here if that’s what you’re looking for.

Fernando Cruz is back, Kevin Herget DFA’d

Cincinnati has designated reliever Kevin Herget for assignment to make room on the active roster for Fernando Cruz. After missing time on the Covid-19 injured list, Cruz is back and healthy.