We're approaching that time of the season where players with options are getting a hard second look - at least from us. After a relief appearance on May 13 of last season, Mike Leake was demoted to AAA. He was called back quickly, after Homer Bailey hit the DL again and Edinson Volquez out-worsted him. The short trip to Louisville did him some good.
Despite what you've heard, Mat Latos is not one of these players. For one thing, his ERA is not 7-something. After his brilliant 2 hit, 0 ER, career-high-11 K outing against the Pirates, Mat's Stats are looking a lot more La(t)otian. Through one May start, we can still blame the early struggles on April.
Tonight Mat and his Stats face the Nats. While they're not a scary offense, the test may be pitching at home - where the pressure is more apparent. Latos has a lower road ERA so far, but opponents are hitting him significantly better at home: .300/.338/.500. The positive spin is that he's been unlucky on the road.
The series win is still on the board. Go Reds!
Lineups
REDS
Zack Cozart (R) SS
Drew Stubbs (R) CF
Joey Votto (L) 1B
Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
Jay Bruce (L) RF
Todd Frazier (R) 3B
Ryan Ludwick (R) LF
Ryan Hanigan (R) C
Mat Latos (R) P
NATS
Ian Desmond (R) SS
Roger Bernadina (L) LF
Ryan Zimmerman (R) 3B
Adam LaRoche (L) 1B
Bryce Harper (L) RF
Danny Espinosa (S) 2B
Rick Ankiel (L) CF
Wilson Ramos (R) C
Jordan Zimmermann (R) P