Reds at Brewers, Game 1 - Preview and Lineups

This is the most important week of the Reds’ season. Period.

Tonight, the Reds show us what kind of team they are. We’re a week from the trade deadline. Despite only being a half game out of a playoff spot, the Reds are 4 games under .500. That’s not good enough for a team that was largely favored to win the NL Central at the beginning of the season.

The offense has largely been the culprit. As has been mentioned, the Reds have been the unluckiest offensive team in the NL. That’s precipitated another lineup shakeup tonight, as Matt Davidson is batting cleanup against a lefty and David Bell is giving Jesse Winker a start in LF. That lefty is Brett Anderson, a name the Reds have faced earlier this season. The Reds beat him then, but since then he threw 6 one-run innings against the Twins in his last start.

The Reds have Trevor Bauer on the mound, who has had a fun inter-staff rivalry with Sonny Gray. Bauer has been the best Reds pitcher so far this season, so hopefully having a rain-delay-free evening should do his mental state some good. The Reds need him to step up and put them in a place to be able to to win.

First pitch is set for 8:10 PM ET.

Reds Lineup

Beers Lineup