Pirates at Reds, Game One - Preview and Lineups

Tyler Mahle was on quite the roll for the Cincinnati Reds right up until his final start before the All Star break. The rookie righty had run off 39.2 IP over a 7 start span from June 1st through July 6th in which he’d pitched to a 2.04 ERA, but that came to a bit of a screeching halt on July 11th against Cleveland when he was pounded for 7 runs (5 ER) in just 2.1 IP.

He’s had nine full days to let that one fester, and methinks he’ll be pitching quite a bit better for the Reds on Friday, as they resume their season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jameson Taillon will go for the Buccos, who sit 4.5 games ahead of the Reds in the NL Central standings at the moment.

In other news, Phil Ervin was recalled from AAA Louisville, taking the place on the active roster of Scott Schebler, who was earlier placed on the 10-day DL with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder after slamming into the RF wall on defense last weekend.

First pitch tonight is set for the usual 7:10 PM ET - assuming the rough-looking weather forecast cooperates.

About that...

Cincinnati Lineup

Pittsburgh Lineup