Reds vs. Phillies, Game One - Preview and Lineups

The Reds kick off a four gamer with the Phillies today. The Phillies are very surprise and much wow so far this season, as development and a few savvy off-season moves have them in first place out in the NL East, though the Nationals being somewhat unexpectedly sucky surely helps, too.

Today, the Phillies will turn to lefty Ranger Suarez to pitch. He’s making his MLB debut, so you just know he’s going to give the Reds fits. Especially this Reds lineup that is now missing both Scott Schebler and Jesse Winker.

Suarez has pitched well over AA and AAA this season, totaling 90.2 innings of 2.38 ERA ball. He’s only pitched 12 inning above AA, though, and just from looking at pure numbers, his strikeouts have fallen by nearly 3 per 9 IP from 2017 to 2018. So, maybe there will be enough of a learning curve making this leap that the Reds can take advantage of.

Dude’s definitely got talent, and he was reportedly coveted in any deal that would’ve sent Manny Machado to Philadelphia.

The Reds will give the ball to Tyler Mahle, who’s in a two start funk right now, as the Indians tore him up in his last start before the break, and then Pittsburgh thumped him in his first start after the break.

But, he’ll be fine. Look for him to get right as early as tonight.

Cincinnati Lineup

Philthy Philly Phils lineup