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For the second time this series, the Reds will be facing a pitcher who is making his first start since coming off of the disabled list. Dave Bush went on the DL on June 23rd with a right arm injury and has made 4 rehab starts in the minors prior to today's game, but he hasn't gone a full 5 innings in a game since June 10th. After consecutive extra inning games that have to have the Brewer bullpen a bit tired, it would be wise of the Reds hitters to be patient against Bush and at least make him throw an extra couple of pitches in each at bat. That way, if they can't get to him on their own, maybe they might have a shot at finding a tired pitcher in the Brewers' pen.
Justin Lehr slipped up a bit on Saturday against the Pirates. Unfortunately, I feel like that is likely to start being the norm with Lehr. It's probably for the best though. He's okay as a spot starter called up from Triple-A in an emergency, but the last thing this team needs if they want to be a winner is a pitcher like Lehr winning a spot in the rotation next season. I don't think we're at risk for that, but if he manages to put 6-8 solid starts together, I could see that talk starting up.
A win today and the Reds will match their longest winning streak of the season at 4 games. Sadly, this is only their 5th 3-game win streak of the season. There really aren't many ways you can look at this team without them looking bad, are there?
Time to close out the 2nd road series sweep of the year, and the third sweep overall! Go Reds!