After a 4-2 road trip, the Cincinnati Reds return to Great American Ball Park today to being a new series at home with the Minnesota Twins. The 3-game series starts with the Reds being a half-game behind both the Marlins and Cubs for the final wild card spot. They are a full game behind Arizona for the second wild card spot. First pitch is set for 6:40pm ET.
Starting Lineups
Minnesota Twins
|
Cincinnati Reds
|
| Edouard Julien – DH | Jonathan India – 2B |
| Jorge Polanco – 2B | TJ Friedl – CF |
| Royce Lewis – 3B | Spencer Steer – LF |
| Max Kepler – RF | Jake Fraley – DH |
| Carlos Correa – SS | Tyler Stephenson – C |
| Alex Kirilloff – 1B | Joey Votto – 1B |
| Matt Wallner – LF | Elly De La Cruz – SS |
| Christian Vazquez – C | Noelvi Marte – 3B |
| Michael A. Taylor – CF | Will Benson – RF |
| Joe Ryan – RHP | Connor Phillips – RHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Connor Phillips | 8.2 | 8.31 | 1.85 | 6 | 10 |
| Joe Ryan | 145.2 | 4.20 | 1.13 | 30 | 176 |
| Links: Connor Phillips’ Stats | Joe Ryan’s Stats |
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Connor Phillips
While the Reds did send Phillips back to Louisville after his last start, he didn’t actually make an appearance with the Bats. Now he’s back and ready to step back into the rotation five days later. In his last start he allowed three runs in 4.0 innings against the Tigers.
The splits for Phillips aren’t completely useless, but they aren’t all that useful either. He made 14 starts in Double-A, all of which came with a pre-tacked baseball that gave pitchers an advantage they wouldn’t have in other leagues. He then made another 11 starts in Triple-A Louisville before making his big league debut earlier this month. In the minor leagues and his first two big league starts – as a whole – the splits aren’t big. Righties hit for a bit more average and a bit more power, but they walk less often. Lefties walk often, but don’t hit for much average or for much power.
Splits (MiLB & MLB)
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 265 | 56 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 26 | 87 | .241 | .332 | .401 |
| LHH | 240 | 45 | 12 | 1 | 4 | 37 | 77 | .224 | .350 | .353 |
Pitch Usage (AAA & MLB)
| 4-seam | Cutter | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 96.1 | 82.3 | 84.4 | 89.6 |
| Usage | 62% | 15% | 20% | 4% |
Joe Ryan
After his first start in August where he allowed seven runs in 4.0 innings, he hit the injured list and missed nearly four weeks. He returned for one start to end August and has made three more in September. In those four starts since returning he’s allowed six runs in 19.2 innings (2.75 ERA).
The splits are pretty big for Joe Ryan, but it’s mostly got to do with the power output. Right-handed hitters do hit for a higher average, and they absolutely do not walk against him. But it’s the amount of power that they hit for that really separates the righties and lefties. Left-handed hitters make more contact and walk more, but they hit for less average and they don’t show much power at all against him.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 313 | 77 | 13 | 0 | 20 | 10 | 107 | .258 | .284 | .503 |
| LHH | 289 | 58 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 20 | 69 | .221 | .284 | .361 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | Slider | Split | |
| Velo | 92.3 | 80.2 | 83.7 |
| Usage | 57% | 15% | 28% |
When and Where
- Game time: 6:40pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv (out of market), FS1
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 72°, sunny, 0% chance of rain
News and Notes
Roster moves on top of roster moves
Early in the afternoon the Reds made it official and called up Connor Phillips and activated Alex Young from the injured list. They also moved Harrison Bader to the injured list, optioned Carson Spiers to the minor leagues, and moved Graham Ashcraft to the 60-day injured list. A few hours later the team announced that they were activating Stuart Fairchild from the injured list and designated Hunter Renfroe for assignment.
Matt McLain injury update
Prior to today’s game David Bell told the media that Matt McLain could return as soon as next Tuesday. Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer was the first to relay the news.
The Draft picks are in town
Welcoming 2023 draft picks RHP Rhett Lowder, RHP Ty Floyd and SS Sammy Stafura to GABP?? pic.twitter.com/eQSaiBwXcq
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 18, 2023
Wild Card Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Philadelphia | 81 | 68 | +3.5 | 98.4% |
| Arizona | 79 | 72 | +0.5 | 56.3% |
| Miami | 78 | 72 | 0.0 | 54.9% |
| Chicago | 78 | 72 | 0.0 | 46.3% |
| Cincinnati | 78 | 73 | 0.5 | 30.4% |
| San Francisco | 76 | 74 | 2.0 | 13.6% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | Top 3 Make Playoffs | ||||
Division Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Brewers | 84 | 65 | 0.0 | 99.9% |
| Cubs | 78 | 72 | 6.5 | 46.3% |
| Reds | 78 | 73 | 7.0 | 30.4% |
| Pirates | 70 | 80 | 14.5 | 0.0% |
| Cardinals | 66 | 83 | 18.0 | 0.0% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
McLain coming back would be refreshing. Let’s win.
Finally sensible lineup and batting order.
Hopefully Connor has a good outing tonight
If someone were able to search every transaction in the history of Major League Baseball, I bet there would be almost no other instances of a guy hitting third in the order one day and being DFA’d the next day because he’s not a good enough hitter to justify a spot on the roster. And if you added the conditions that the guy replacing him on the roster has a lifetime average under .230 and the team has a legitimate chance to make the playoffs, I would be willing to bet a good chunk of money this is the first time anything like this has ever happened. Congrats to David Bell and the Cincinnati Reds for providing us with this very special moment in Major League Baseball history.
So I just noticed they dfa’d Renfroe and Bader was put on the 10-day… IL so it looks like a big part of the lineup problems have been solved since those two options were taken away from our illustrious manager…thank goodness
I sometimes picture in my mind Bell throwing things against a wall when Krall does things like this to him. 🙂
Billy Bean to Art Howe with Scott Hatteburg 😀
Win
Yes. Affirmative. Got that right. Uh-huh. Agree.
I like this lineup x for CES sitting .
The roster crunch gets tighter with mcLain rumored to be ready next week. I dont know that a handful of at bats proves that Fraley toe injury means he cant hit . Hes the best Reds hitter against righties since the All star break of 2022. Hes hitting the ball hard and plate discipline elite. See how things go.
Big article dropped by wittenmyer on votto. krall and votto both answered as did other Reds players and even miguel cabrera did. Reading the tea leaves.. it sounds like Votto wants to come back at $20 million. Krall says cant see him in another uniform but have to see where we are in the off-season . Votto says tempted to comment but wants focus to remain on playoff rim and this team. “Its out of my hands”
I take that as votto isnt coming back at a discount. Reds pay his buyout or take his option at $20 mil. Those 2 scenarios are out of his hands if hes not allowing a third option- a reduced role at a reduced price.
Please don’t bring him back. He has to be high if he thinks he is getting 20 million. If they bring him back period, Bell will play him at least 100 games.
Agreed. Who pays 20 million for a 40 year old guy who played 60 games, can’t run, below average 1st base defense with a batting average of .200? They have strand, steer and for that matter Marte who can all reach those low numbers and do it for 20 times less in cost. The Reds also often waited for months for him to find his swing, even in good seasons, primarily because they had no better option. That’s not the case anymore. Finally, looking at the last big investments the made in moose,akiyama and myers to a lesser degree, I can’t see Krall spending that kind of payroll for Joey when he could be spendng for pitching.
I didn’t notice CES sitting and I definitely don’t like that
“The roster crunch gets tighter with mcLain rumored to be ready next week”
I’m not so sure having EDLC in the lineup is the best option right now. He could be very valuable with his speed coming off the bench and it might take pressure off in his hitting. Both his hitting and fielding have been suffering. It’s crunch time.
OS>>> If it were the beginning or middle of the season, maybe Fraley should be given more time to see if he is just hitting into bad luck; but, this is the crunch of the playoff push and he has put in the last half month (14 days) with a .571 OPS and 1 extra base hit in 22PAs. Also his K% for the period is above 30% against a seasonal K% of around 19%. He is a spitting image of the injured Votto in his abandoned first rehab stint earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, CES has compiled a 1.159 OPS vs. RH pitching in September with 4 HR (in 30 PAs) with a K% of 16.67. He should not be sitting for anyone right now.
Fraley had a game the other day where he had solid at bats across the board.
Had walks taken away by an umpire calling strikes that were obvious balls. Then had a 103 mph liner right at a guy. I dont do small sample sizes of 22 PA. He and the Reds medical staff think he can but your entire argument against Fraley is based on 22 plate appearance and your assumption that you know he cant hit because he is hurt. I do know he is the Reds best hitter against RH pitching for a season and a half.
CES not playing has nothing to do with Fraley.
CES is blocked by Votto-pure and simple.
It’s play the best combo of players that give you a chance to win. Fraley is in that calculus until the Reds determine Fraley cant perform because he is hurt. I’m not making that assumption. Its fair to question it but Fraley is giving good at bats.
Time to kick the filling out of the Twinkies
See reply to JB WV above
+10K
I hope the Reds and Bell can match the Twins intensity tonight.Twins aren’t the Tigers and Mets just playing out the season.Better be ready to play.Coming in late to the dance will insure a loss.
Let’s not forget the CES angle of playing against the team that traded him.
Yep.
And an OPS of .960 so far in September.
And two HRs this past weekend.
And (much) better splits against righties than lefties.
But go ahead and sit him for Mendoza Line Votto.
Man pushing for a playoff spot and the stadium is empty.
They should have been out on the streets giving away tickets today to assure a decent crowd.
Sorry, that is on fans not management.
Nice inning. Now get out the bats and get it started. No excuses tonight.
Great start, low pitch count after one. Inning by inning for the rookie
Guy walks India, so naturally TJ swings at the first pitch
Just dumb stuff by TJ right out of the gate.
Ho hum crowd with your team in the thick of a playoff race.
Farmer for Correa already?
And what a play by Elly … his head is NOT in the game at the moment. I’m afraid Senzel could do a better job.
Maybe Bell worked out a deal with Baldelli to get Farmer in the game…just couldn’t help himself
haha Funny 😀
Like I said yesterday, Elly’s defense is becoming a huge liability at SS and if he’s not going to hit any better than he has he needs to play situationally down the stretch. He should not be starting all these games…he’s not helping the team win games. Hopefully McClain is back soon at SS
At this point, as of right now, De La Cruz is not helping at least in the starting lineup. He is the weakest link. Tonight could have had CES at 3B and Marte at SS. We have to WIN.
At least TJ hitting that first pitch popup got Correa out of the game.
Now Elly kicks one, he was the only one that didn’t kick one yesterday.
Did Correa tweak something? I’m on mute as we watched the news and now Jeopardy.
Same injury as India
Been dealing with plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis
Said to self…CES has to play and so does Marte and Bell wont sit Votto or Fraley. Only solution would be Marte SS and CES at 3b. Brutal, but Elly will boot a ball just as fast as those 2
This team drives me nuts. Leadoff hitter walks, which is almost a miracle, second and fourth hitters swing at the first pitch. Leadoff guy makes no attempt to get to second at any point. Meanwhile, CES sits and watches instead of hitting cleanup. But I’m told they REALLY care and they REALLY want to make the playoffs…
McClain, Marte, Arroyo the Reds have at least 3 shortstops better than EDLC.
Don’t forget Cam Collier. 🙂
Another low pitch count quick inning. Throwing strikes. Keep it up
Now work the count Joey
Nice PA for TS
Sorry guys been a Reds fan since 61. In the middle of a wildcard race and the crowd looks like it’s the middle of April. The Reds haven’t had that much success.
Never seen someone with a worse sense of the strike zone then Elly. I still think he’ll be very good though in time
Yeah but he’s hurting right now.
All these unproductive at bats by EDLC have been a killer
First 2 guys get on and a rally killing strike 3 looking.
Elly pulls another Elly and then Marte picks everybody up.
Good hitting there folks minus Elly. Marte is looking like a professional hitter.
And look at Votto going first to third in record (for Votto) time. Love it!
Votto is busting his butt every day. The question is what his body has left to give.
EDLC has lost his swagger. It’s a humbling game. Hopefully he listens to good advice over the off-season. Talent gets you to the biggs…
I feel like I’m watching Superman on the Kryptonian ship struggling to breathe. He’s still going to be Superman but right now he’s hurting.
+1,000
I think that’s an accurate description.
Gracias! Can here Zod saying “it has to run its course.”
Benson, so close!
Wow … I really thought that was out. Nice play to grab it.
So this is what 3 runs early on looks like. Feels good.
Oops … only 2 runs.
Sorry, we only got 2….
Anyone having trouble with VPN on mlb app? I can’t get either of my VPN to work right now.
I’m home and it isn’t the Nats or Orioles, so I’m not on a VPN. Sorry.
No problem. I got it working, finally. Had to clear my cache and reset device.
Whoever has been complaining about lack of sac flies. Benson gave you one.
But he wasn’t “trying” for sac fly. He was trying for a tater. It’s like when Friedl gets credit for a sac bunt but people complain because he was “trying” to bunt for a hit.
People don’t complain that he’s trying to get a hit. You’ve misunderstood what people have have been complaining about.
That was probably me. You’ve gotta love the fact that they finally hit a sacrifice fly by hitting a ball over the wall…
I’m also the guy who’s been complaining about Benson hitting at the bottom all season.
Reds really do find it easier to hit home runs than sacrifice flies. Even their sacrifice flies are home runs…
+1,000
Sac fly alert, but 3 run jack would’ve been better
I feel bad for Elly because you can tell that he is just overthinking at the plate and in the field and just putting a ton of pressure on himself….but that’s not how playing well in sports works. David Bell would be doing him a favor to sit him down more often and only play him periodically.
Bummer the CF with a great play. Benson crushed it, should have been 4-0.
If McLain returns next Tuesday, should Elly start coming off the bench? Not long term, but for the rest of this season.
Elly probably needs some rest and some bench time. He looks gassed and overwhelmed. It’s not a knock – he’s young and this is what a young super talented guy is going to look like at times.
He could be such a valuable weapon as a strategic pinch runner and occasional pinch hitter from the left side.
At least some.
I am not going to say anything about Phillips pitching right now (or his command)…just keep it up.
Danger zone here 2 out walk with no one on base.
And Phillips made an outstanding pitchers’ pitch at 1/2 to close it out.
The fact that nobody scored makes me think something special is happening tonight.
Phillips really looks good tonight
Yes, and 6 would be nice & needed. Asking alot for that to happen tho.
Better get out of him as much as possible the rest of the season. He’s not available for the post season.
This is already the best start a non-Greene Reds pitcher has had in a long time.
Disappointed with the walk but works past it. 3 innings, no hits. Next inning will be a tester 2nd time through.
Yes it will.
It’s frankly amazing how different pitchers and players have stepped up all season. Phillips is definitely one of them.
Connor looks good. Usually a tough inning for him.
I’m glad Fox has this game, no Sadak or Larkin, yeah:)
Marlins win at home with no crowd whatsoever. I’d rather see a big crowd , but what can you do
Would be great of Bell eventually notices Friedl hits better against lefties than righties. I’m cautiously optimistic he’ll get there before the end of his contract.
Good luck with that
CES watches from the dugout as Fraley make another out in the cleanup spot.
A little sporadic there. TySteve smacked it, but right at him. Nice job by Steer. I’m sure TJ will come around.
Back to Connor Phillips!!
Did Ty Steve just swing on 3-0?
Of course. He usually hits those out of the park, right? And what’s the value of a walk? When have those ever scored?
Another situation where it would have made sense to attempt a steal, and another situation where the runner stays put. What has happened to this team?
Nibbling time I bet, hope not.
Be a good time for Elly’s light to come on and get going. The error kind of nixes that idea tho.
Royce Lewis was taken 1st overall in 2017 draft.
Senzel 2nd.
Royce has had numerous injuries also, but really broke out this year.
Good bounce back. Through 4, 1 run., bottom two hitters lead off the 5th. Huge to get through next inning unscathed. Go Reds, Go Phillips!
I would really like to see some smart baseball from this point forward. No more swinging at first pitches or 3-0 pitches when the pitcher is having trouble throwing strikes. No more taking strike three with runners at first and second. No more standing at first base refusing to attempt a steal. And maybe try to find a way to sneak your hottest hitter into the lineup at some point. Anything is possible!
Audio/video sync terrible again tonight. Not sure why that’s happening with every game all of the sudden. I’ve got it close between my laptop and the TV app feed. We’ll see if it lasts.
De La Cruz just needs to be sitting right now and Marte playing SS … dude couldn’t hit it in the ocean right now
Well, they need to quit taking 3rd strikes.
Two just awful at bats by Joey and ELLY.
Yep.
Yeah Will!!
De La Cruz just needs to be sitting right now and Marte playing SS … dude couldn’t hit it in the ocean right now
Followed by a great at bat by Marte.Come on Benson.
I think it might benefit Elly to go with a toe tap.
Big leg kick and winds up off balance.
He’ll figure it out…hopefully hit the ground running next year.
He needs something to help him focus. He’s gotten by on raw talent alone up to this point. But that won’t cut it in The Show, at least not for long.
Challenge is how much does it hinder our run for October and who sits/goes down when MattyMc comes back? Can’t keep short-changing the bullpen like they have been.
Elly can contribute in lots of ways but if his defense is shaky and it is and he can’t put the ball in play he just can’t start.
I agree.
Wear those pants legs up to the knees might cut down on some of those low strikes.
Marte peaking at this point is a good thing.
And Benson didn’t miss that one!!!
I like where Marte is at this point for a young guy. Now his bb IQ appears to be good.
Will’s hr potential will increase too going forward. He’s crushed these 2 tonight. Kind of like Griffey Sr.
Are the best hitters in the Reds lineup tonight hitting 8 and 9?
So far, that would be the story.
Is all part of the master plan to ambush the opponent by putting your best hitters 8 & 9. It’s working!
HahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahaha….SO TRUE…Daved Bell is the Reds secret weapon on the way to the World Series.
Benson: Rob this one!
Benson ought to hit higher than 9th in my opinion. I think Bell ought to try to get him more at-bats . But what do I know?
Benson got a first pitch cookie and did not miss it.Big Big hit.GO REDS
“Throw the next one at the Bull”
And on the broadcast right after that another great AB by Benson where he’s just crushed a 2nd ball that went over the fence but wasn’t caught, Larkin basically said he’s been hitting the ball great the last 2-3 weeks and deserves to be playing everyday and now wuth Renfroe gone and Bader IL maybe he’ll get that chance.
I’m sure all of Bell’s goofy lineup switching everybody around all the time and never sticking with hot hitters Etc has driven Barty absolutely crazy this entire year … especially thinking about it from the players perspective
If even Larkin is speaking up, it’s obvious to everyone … except HDTBell
It’s gotten to the point where Fraley or EDLC need to sit for their own good.
Marlins watch… Mets up 1-0
Connor Phillips appears to be throwing smoke tonight.
Fastball touching nearly 99 mph. And throwing strikes.
Can he get into the 6th inning?
It will be HUGE if he can. This bullpen is still playing great but he desperately needs rest. If he can go six, right now that’s such a service to the team.
If Bell ever gets this managing thing figured out and sticks Benson, McLain, Marte, CES, and Steer at the top of the order every night against rightes, and switches Friedl for Benson against lefties, this team is probably going to score some runs.
So let’s say he’s got Benson figured out and knows that moving Benson to the top of the line up will he too much pressure. But he does it to appease us fans. When Benson struggles, there’s really not the option to move him back down.
He’s been very resistant to moving Benson and I’m gonna trust him on that one. My gut tells me the pressure will get to him.
Phillips, without the facial hair, looks 17 years old but is throwing like CONFIDENT VET! Bring it!
Most impressive inning so far. Another big challenge in the 6th. Pitch count very reasonable
Steer. Mr Consistent.
Looked this (for no reason)
Benson
Batting 1st – 11PA – .500/.546/1.100 (i never would have thought that with early struggles.
Batting 2nd – 2PA – 000/000/000
Batting 6th – 15 PA – .231/.333/.308
Batting 7th – 43 PA – .216/.326/.297
Batting 8th – 131PA – .250/.282/.472
Batting 9th – 94PA – .296/.340/.557
I would not impugn Will Benson by calling him something like “immature”. But guys without a lot of ML experience, sometimes let things like where they bat in the order get in their heads.
“I have to do this because I’m batting “X” position in the lineup.”
He seems to be thriving batting 9th right now, so …let him be for this season.
I completely agree. Will seems to be perfectly comfortable hitting there. Why mess with one of the things that is actually working.
Barry and Sadek keep saying a word that I don’t they should say on TV… ever.
Oh? Do tell … 😛
Not one of George Carlin’s words I’m assuming 😮
It’s not one of Carlin’s words but it’s definitely a word that makes me giggle.
I hesitate to type this, but we’re flirting with a Quality Start and pretty efficient pitch count here. I’ve forgotten what those look like.
Reds youth bringing the energy tonight. They look like a fresh hungry team. Love Benson against righties as an athletic outfielder with speed . Hope Phillips and the bullpen can keep this going.
Krall got Steer, CES, and ultimately Benson for 15 months of Tyler Mahle which turned into 1 month.
It will definitely go down as one of the greatest trades of all time for the Reds
Glad to see the energy.Got to bring it every night from here on out.Krall is lucky he didn’t get picked up for robbery.GO REDS
The trade would feel even better if CES was regularly in the lineup.
Barry suggests EDLC will sit when Matt McCain returns. Didn’t think he would give Sadak a straight answer to that question but he did.
Wow … Barry must be fed up to the gills with what he’s seeing.
That’s a big wow! Barry was Elly’s biggest cheerleader, and is tight with ownership.
I’m watching it on FS1.
Huge pitching performance by Phillps!!!!
Nice recovery by Marte on that one.
6 innings of 1 run, two hit baseball from Connor Phillips.
And only 76 pitches. Yeah, he can go into the 7th. He still seems to have a lot of gas in his fastball.
I’d start the 7th inning with Phillips with the pen getting a right & lefty loosening.
Yep
Add on guys.
Rolling like a big wheel when we need it most. Let the energy ramp up.
So no CES here … but wait … it isn’t the 7th inning so The Book doesn’t allow it.
Baldelli waving the white flag here so lets make sure its over.Old guy against old guy which I love by the way.
He’s on paternity leave. It’s his understudy tonight.
Twins….for the Twins!
Can’t believe Lewis recovered to make that throw.
Benson vs Leftys
38PA – .143/.211/.200
Means nothing.
Disagree
HR. So what. Phillip has made a statement today. “I belong and I want to stay.”
Wallner should be last batter for phillips regardless of outcome.
Phillips amazing!
Outstanding outing by Phillips. Just 2 mistakes by Phillips translated into 2 runs … Wow…it is unfair actually…He pitched to shutout…
Are our starters allowed to go 7 innings?
Nice finish for Phillips.
Phillips, just wow young man!
Keep it up next time out too.
Right on cue Friedl great AB against the lefty.
Phillips grew up a bunch today. He seem more relaxed and his control was so much better. He was really relying on the fastball to get ahead of everybody and they just couldn’t do anything with that pitch for the most part. That last at bat with Wallner was so impressive…after he gives up the home run to go 3-2 vs Wallner and then throw three straight three fastball strikes that are fouled off…. and then to throw the cutter for strike three was just awesome. With Ashford out he’s definitely in the rotation the rest of the year after tonight
Showing results over potential tonight! Great start young Mr Phillips, and at a time we really needed it.
It was massive….sets up the bullpen for this entire series
It sure does.
I was hoping for 6! What do I know. Lol
Marte looks like a good future 2 hole hitter.
Good makeup for a modern day #2.
De La Cruz is the odd man out right now.
Sounds rugged to say that, but so far, it’s true.
That’s true.
As the storyline goes, The Bull had to muscle Phillips out of the Mariners to complete the trade.
To the chagrin of Seattle’s GM.
I like the storyline and hope that there’s some truth to it.
Williamson has been struggling more of late after a solid mid season turnaround.
Two potential solid SP for Geno and Winker (along with Fraley, of course) is a great haul.
Dunn, however, feels like a lost cause.
I feel poorly for him, but it he was always a ringer in the trade.
I say press your luck on a double steal here.
Clear the bases Ty
Another lefty hit for Senzel. Not hard, not pretty, but loaded them up for TySteve.
Put this game away right here cause the Twins already waved the white flag so do it and lets make this one a laugher.
HDTBell waiving back by batting Votto here.
But then I get to eat some crow … happy to do so.
Crap
From Mr. Hot Hand to Mr. GIDP.
Stephenson….. yikes.
Couldn’t lift one? Just a little bit. It was Friedl on 3rd for crying out loud.
And still no CES 😮 😮 😮
Bedtime snack of crow for me 😛
Never seen a dude kill a rally with a double play like Stephenson …. Automatic …. Just horrible
Yay JV
Thank you Mr. Votto !
JV 37 rbis is 197 abs.
You do the math.
Pretty productive.
Stephenson should not be hitting 5th, great job by Votto. I guess he earned his start but Strand should go for Fraley or EDLC.
Stephenson WAS hot. Sitting him regularly didn’t help keep him that way.
BIG BIG hit by Votto.
Big big knock by Joey. Too bad we couldn’t beat up Keuchel tomorrow night like originally scheduled. CES still should’ve started
Stephenson can’t continue hitting in the middle of the lineup, is a rally killer. However Votto didn’t permit it and saved the rally
Marte, EDLC, McLain.
Pick two for the remainder of the season…..
That seems like a trick question??
Matte and McLain. It’s not really close at this point. EDLC needs some time off.
How about Joey with the huge hit after the deflating dp!!!! He has looked good at the plate his last couple games…maybe he can get hot and now would be a good time. Of course that means he’ll probably be sitting next game…
Hopefully Bell will essentially go with basically this lineup + CES the rest of the way with little tweaks here and there based on who’s hot, who’s not, left-handed pitching whatever
“How about Joey with the huge hit after the deflating dp!!!! He has looked good at the plate his last couple games…maybe he can get hot and now would be a good time. Of course that means he’ll probably be sitting next game…”
Yeah. hahaha I would not sit Votto at the moment. I WOULD sit EDLC.
Hindsight is always 20/20 but this is why you have to keep that game yesterday close.Nobody knows what the next game brings and at this time of year you just can’t save guys for tomorrow or the next day.
Stephenson is the DP king, it’d be great if he’d at least hit a fly ball with the bases loaded.
Derek Law retired the 8th with few pitches, I think leading by 5, at least, he should go for completing the game…
But…..you would be wrong!
Not thinking like David Bell.
There are a lot of good reasons to let Law finish.
1) teams should not see too much of your bullpen staff. Law throws two innings (not!) and then does not pitch the rest of the series.
2) he seems to have good stuff tonight.
3) he’s warmed up
But Alex Young….gets in
Well the only thing makes sense here is putting Young to pitch in a non-high leverage situation after returning from IL…
Give Law the ninth and lets look towards tomorrow.Love the energy and the intensity Phillips brought and WOW the rest of the guys joined in.
2 on 1 out. Let’s go Mets!!
Thrall and Cowboy debating the merits and deficiencies of grits and poutine. Quite a funny little exchange. Mostly about grits in the end. Guess who is a fan and who isn’t.
Getting Young an inning. I’m a fan of that.
Why? He has been in AAA so is tuned up and has plenty of MLB experience.
OK, I WAS a fan. 😛
He’s also coming back from COVID, I believe. Need to sharpen his approach for the final push. If he can hold it together, that’s fine by me.
Law threw 7 pitches last inning. Why not let him finish the game and rest everyone else. This is the compound that exacerbates the overuse of the pen.
YES
IT
DOES.
If Law goes two innings, he probably couldn’t go tomorrow if you need him. Get Young some work while he has plenty of runs to work with. Makes perfect sense
Marte looks like a natural at third. Elly better start shagging some flies.
#EDLCCF2024 🙂
It is the obvious answer.
Not to many…..yet. 😉
I wasn’t in favor of this earlier, but with the obvious growth and quick adjustment to MLB pitching by Marte, there’s no question of who belongs at 3B.
I just can’t see India being traded. I could be wrong of course, but an infield of: Marte, McLain, India, CES.
Come on, you can ride that for 5 plus years. Will be one of the great Reds infields of all time.
I’m all in Harry. Maybe not as strong at 2nd but like it or not he’s the heart and soul.
Phillips looked like an ace tonight.
Twinkies looked like they were twinking tho. Lol
And right now, I bet Diaz is starting to warm up in the pen.
Let’s make this interesting, Mr. Bell.
Great win. Need another one tomorrow.
Twinkie’s magic number still down to 5.
Boom McNeil Homers. Mets take the lead in the 9th
Mets lead 2-1
HR in the 9th
EDLC batting .165 over his last 100+ ABs.
Not a small sample size.
Not getting any better.
Time to make a few adjustments.
Good game by Phillips tonight. Good game all around. However, as I’ve said for a couple of weeks, send EDLC back to Louisville. He’s not helping the team particularly and more importantly, he’s not helping himself. If they don’t do something to right his development, the Reds will waste a potential superstar. And Bell isn’t the guy to do it, which I pointed out before EDLC was called up.
Remember when he hit for the cycle? Right now he looks nothing like that player. He has zero confidence.
Maybe sending him to Louisville will remove the temptation to start him, but I would wait until McLain is back and contributing.
EDLC on the bench might be more beneficial….if he stays there but for crucial situations where his running is helpful.
He’s got a lot of work to do to even get close to his potential.
EDLC is hitting .165 over his last 100+ ABs. Somebody has got to acknowledge that and make the changes over the remainder of the season.
If he sits until October, it will be no major ego bust, or setback for his development, likely the opposite.
Unless there is someone in KY who would be obviously better, keep him around, get Marte to talk to him, let him watch and work on his hitting in the tunnel.
But he needs a break. He’s in Stubbs / Aquino land right now and he has to know it.
Matt will need a roster spot.
A move down i75 might let him defrag and maybe the robo ump might atleast let him get get comfy with that element again. The hitting instructor seems to be good there too.
I wouldn’t be opposed to it, but it would be a seismic move given all the EDLC hype that accompanied his promotion.
Elly is totally sideways at this point, at this level. He has no plan and actually looks totally defeated. I think you’re right and that may happen if Matt gets activated tomorrow or Wednesday.
Tonight was a case of a dominant starter allowing the offense to relax. Wow, if Phillips can do something close to this a few more times it will go a long way in getting them to the postseason. What a boost to a beleaguered team.
Phish squished for tonight!!