Reds vs. Angels, Game 1: Preview and Lineups

The Cincinnati Reds, as they have been for the last few months and will for the rest of the season, begin an important series on Monday night. They welcome the Los Angeles Angels to town for a two game set, hoping things go better than the last time these two teams met. If you remember, back in June, they were swept by these very Angels with a pair of 5-1 losses back in June. The Reds come into the series with some slight momentum after they salvaged a series split against the Atlanta Braves in an extra-innings victory on Sunday.

Starting for the Reds tonight will be Luis Castillo. Castillo continues to have a fantastic season and had another stellar outing on Wednesday against Pittsburgh where he threw 7 innings of 1-run ball. He has never faced the Angels in his career, so here’s to hoping he baffles them with that deadly changeup. The Angels will counter with opener Taylor Cole. Cole has made 22 appearances this season and owns a 3.97 ERA. He will be followed by Patrick Sandoval, who will be making his Major League debut. Sandoval has mostly pitched in Triple-A Salt Lake, where things have not gone well. He owns a 6.41 ERA over 60 innings of work with a 1.89 K/BB ratio. He will probably throw 6 shutout innings against the Reds, because that’s just how 2019 goes.

The Angels also have Mike Trout. If you live near Cincinnati, go to the games this week and watch Mike Trout. Watch the Reds, of course. But also watch Mike Trout.

Cincinnati Lineup

Los Angeles Lineup

Other Notes

• It was announced today that the Reds claimed Kevin Gausman off waivers from the Braves.
• Later, the Reds announced they’d placed Derek Dietrich on the 10-day IL with shoulder issues. They’ve selected the contract of IF/OF Brian O’Grady to take Dietrich’s place on the active roster. To make room for O’Grady on the 40-man, the club designated IF Blake Trahan for assignment.