The calendar has finally flipped to September and it’s getting into crunch time for the Cincinnati Reds. After getting as close to half a game behind the New York Mets for the final playoff spot, the Reds went into a spiral. They have lost 8 of their last 10 games and have one of the worst offenses in all of baseball since the All-Star Break. They finally called up top prospect Sal Stewart but, in classic Reds fashion, waited until the day rosters expanded instead of when they very obviously needed the help.
Now, they have to face off against the American League East leading Toronto Blue Jays to kick off a week that could very well determine their postseason fates. The Blue Jays sit at 79-58, tied for the Phillies for the third best record in baseball, and are currently 3 games ahead of the New York Yankees for the AL East crown. Hunter Greene gets the start for the Reds as he looks to bounce back from a difficult outing against the Dodgers. He faces off against Ohio native Chris Bassitt. As is the case for most players who hail from this state, he has been successful against the Reds in his career. In his career, he’s thrown 21.2 innings against the Reds and owns a 2.08 ERA in 3 appearances. Hopefully that trend changes today. Go Reds.
Advertisement
Today’s Lineups
BLUE JAYS REDS
George Springer – DH TJ Friedl – CF
Addison Barger – RF Noelvi Marte – RF
Vladimir Guerrero – 1B Elly De La Cruz – SS
Bo Bichette – SS Austin Hays – DH
Daulton Varsho – CF Gavin Lux – LF
Alejandro Kirk – C Sal Stewart – 1B
Nathan Lukes – LF Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B
Ernie Clement – 3B Jose Trevino – C
Andres Gimenez – 2B Matt McLain – 2B
Chris Bassitt – RHP Hunter Greene – RHP