Marlins at Reds, Game 1 - Preview and Lineups

The Cincinnati Reds have an odd fascination with the Miami Marlins. That shiny picture up top is of Derek Dietrich, of course, who the Reds landed on a minor-league deal after the Marlins cheaply non-tendered their former utility man. That came just a few weeks after the Reds well publicized chase of Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto ended when the All Star was instead traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Then, there’s tonight’s starter for the Reds - Luis Castillo. He, of course, came to the Reds from the Marlins in the Dan Straily deal a few years back, and so far that has looked the part of a potential franchise-altering pickup for Cincinnati. Especially this season, as Castillo’s first two starts have shown that he’s got all the makings of an ace when he’s got his full arsenal clicking, and the hope is that he’ll not only harness that again tonight, but for the rest of the season to help dig these Reds out of the NL Central cellar.

[About that...the off-day might have let you forget that the Reds have scored the fewest runs in all MLB during their 1-8 start, a start that currently includes a lovely 8 game losing streak. Their 21 runs scored, by the way, is a smaller number than the number of home runs hit by the Los Angeles Dodgers so far this season. Gahhhh.]

First pitch in this series opener is set for 6:40 PM ET, and the Marlins will send starter Jose Urena to the mound opposite Castillo.

Matt Kemp is hitting 3rd, again. I don’t have any more words for that.

Go Reds. Win a freaking farking game, please.

Reds Lineup

Marlins Lineup