Reds at Pirates, Game 2 - Preview and Lineups

While wearing jerseys so ugly they made the Arizona Diamondbacks look like fashion visionaries, the Cincinnati Reds farted away a 1-run lead in the 9th inning last night, losing to the woeful Pittsburgh Pirates in walk-off fashion to begin this series.

In real time, it was frustrating. In reality, it was no more than the difference between 61-66 and 60-67. So it goes, once again.

The Reds and Pirates will be on the field again tonight regardless. On the mound for the Reds will be a very interesting scenario, as Alex Wood - set to be a free agent at season’s end - will take the mound once again attempting to recapture his pre-injury form. He currently carries an unsightly 5.92 ERA in his brief tenure with the Reds, but still profiles as the kind of player we might see claimed in the next week before postseason roster eligibility expires and the waiver period simultaneously end. In other words, this might well be his final start as a member of the Reds, assuming they’re willing to save a few million bucks and let him go elsewhere.

On the mound for Pittsburgh will be Trevor Williams, a pitcher who is having a bit of a similar year to Wood’s. After a sparkling 3.11 ERA and 3.8 bWAR season in 2018, Williams has been banged up and much less effective this year, owning a 5.65 ERA and 5.18 FIP in 19 starts this year. I’m sure that means the Reds bats will respond accordingly, since...

Well.

In the dugout for the Reds will also be catcher Curt Casali, who was activated from the 10-day IL today. IF/OF Brian O’Grady was optioned back to AAA Louisville to make way on the active roster, but I suspect we’ll see O’Grady back in September when rosters expand.

First pitch is set for 5:05 PM ET.

Reds Lineup

Pirates Lineup