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So, the Cincinnati Reds got shut out on Opening Day. It happens sometimes, especially when it’s cold, damp, and Max Scherzer is the one pitching to ya.
Saturday, though, will see the Reds send their own resident ace to the mound, as Luis Castillo will face the Washington Nationals in his 2018 debut in hopes that he can replicate what Scherzer did in breezing through the Reds’ lineup yesterday. Honestly, it’d be just as nice to see Castillo pitch as well as Homer Bailey did in the season’s first game, as Old Hoss looked about as good as he has in years against one of the most formidable lineups in the game today.
First pitch is set for 2:10 PM ET, and Castillo will share the mound with fireballing righty Stephen Strasburg.
Cincinnati Lineup
Here is the Reds' #KidsOpeningDay lineup against Strasburg and the Nats. ➡️ https://t.co/WZDpRLpQiJ pic.twitter.com/e1jM9cuC2k
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) March 31, 2018
Washington Lineup
Let's make it 2-0. pic.twitter.com/MUjKKoUdss
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 31, 2018
Other Notes
- Earlier on Saturday, the Reds signed pitcher Yovani Gallardo to a 1-year, big league contract. They optioned Zack Weiss back to AAA (before he ever threw a big league pitch) to open up an active roster spot, while Stuart Turner was designated for assignment to free up a 40-man roster spot.
- JESSE WINKER IS LEADING OFF AGAIN!
- Since at least 1900, the Reds have never been shut out in the first two games of a season, sooooo...
- The .718 OPS the Reds have posted against Strasburg in his career is the 5th highest of all MLB teams. The 4.40 ERA he’s owned against the club is also the 5th worst of his career against any one franchise, sooooo...