Astros at Reds, Game 1 - Preview and Lineups

The Reds continue their Texas two-step by welcoming the Houston Astros into Great American Ballpark for a three game set beginning this evening.

Despite dealing with a multitude of injuries, the Astros are very good again, and no one in the baseball has more wins than the 48 Ws Houston’s put up to date. For their trip to Cincinnati, the team will be missing Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and George Springer, but it hasn’t seemed to have mattered all that much.

Facing the Reds tonight is Wade Miley, a pitcher whom many believed the Reds should take a chance on signing this past offseason. Instead, he went to Houston, and has continuned to build on his very, very solid 80 IP from 2018. In another 80 IP this season (14 starts), Miley has compiled a 3.14 ERA (140 ERA+) with a 1.158 WHIP. His 4.33 FIP may suggest that the results have been a bit lucky, though his SO/W ratio this season is the highest he’s ever reached.

Houston has a way with pitchers, you know.

Across the dugout, Luis Castillo will be starting for the Reds. The Reds will need yet another stellar performance from their staff ace to keep the Astros bats in checked and have a chance to win this game.

It’s a tough week for the Reds. After hosting what may be the leagues best or second best team in the ‘Stros, the Reds will travel to Milwaukee for a set with the NL Central leading Brewers.

Considering the offensive funk the team has been in for the better part of the last week and a half (or entire season, really), this isn’t the greatest time to be facing the league’s best teams. Here’s to hoping their 11 run offensive burst on Father’s Day is the sign of some mashing to come.

I feel like I’ve typed that last sentence 30+ times this season.

Reds lineup

Astros lineup