2021 Spring Training Game 27: Reds at Brewers

It’s pretty clear at this juncture that Jeff Hoffman is going to be a part of the Cincinnati Reds pitching staff come Opening Day. The only question remaining for both parties, however, is in which role he takes the bump.

Injuries to each of Sonny Gray, Tejay Antone, and Michael Lorenzen have muddied the starting waters, as has the series of early off-days that will make a traditional five-man rotation less of a need at the start of play. Still, once you get past Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle, and Wade Miley, there is going to be a need for chewing up some serious innings, and Hoffman is almost assured to get his shot alongside Jose De Leon.

A good way to cement that opportunity sits in front of Hoffman today, as he’ll get the penultimate start of the Reds Cactus League slate against the Milwaukee Brewers. He ramped up to 4.1 IP two starts ago an a full 5.0 IP his last outing on March 23rd, so it’s clear he’s been stretched out for the rotation, though after being bonked for 8 ER combined in those two outings, some better success today would certainly be nice.

First pitch is set for 3:10 PM ET, with the lineup and travel roster listed below courtesy of The Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans.

(No, of course there’s no TV feed today.)