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We're not even one game past the All Star break and already the typical Reds frustrations are settling back in. Chris Dickerson was supposed to be in the lineup tonight, but he is still having trouble with back spasms. That leaves Willy Taveras, Laynce Nix, Jonny Gomes, and Jerry Hairston Jr. as the only outfield options and Adam Rosales, Paul Janish, and Ryan Hanigan as the only other options on the bench. The way this team has been managing its roster this season blows my mind. But hey, at least the Reds have 8 pitchers in the bullpen the day after a 3-day vacation.
Homer Bailey gets another opportunity to show us if he truly has turned the proverbial corner. This will be his 3rd career start against the Brewers, but the first since he's found the new split-finger fastball and the increase in velocity. Hopefully the Brewers haven't been scouting him. I'd love to see their jaws drop a bit like Albert Pujols did (before he hit the grand slam off of Weathers - ugh, even happy stories have bad endings this season).
All you need to know about Braden Looper tonight is that Willy Taveras has homered off of him. Only seven other pitchers can make that claim. And Willy did it this year off of Looper, so he's hot right now! This game is so ours!