Reds vs. Brewers, Game Two - Preview and Lineups

Sucky game last night, fellas! Suckier (if not expected) news today, as Sonny Gray hits the IL with a strained groin. Onwards and upwards, I guess.

Tonight is game 59, which means tomorrow is game 60. You may remember in 2020, Major League Baseball only played 60 games in their whole season (well, most of the teams did). But this year, we get to do this 100+ more times!

Pretty neat, right?

And, it’s a good thing, because if the season ended tomorrow, the Reds wouldn’t be particularly close to the playoffs. They’re currently five games behind these Milwaukee Brewers (though two wins this series would really help) and six out of a Wild Card slot. But, none of that really matters in June, or after only 60 games, and that’s glorious.

The Beers will throw Brett Anderson tonight. The 33-year-old left hander owns a 4.42 ERA over nine starts and 36.2 innings pitched this season, and FIP that is one full point higher than that. His 1.527 WHIP is particularly high, and his 5.2 K/9 is just about one full point lower than his career average. Brett apparently hasn’t gotten the memo about how pitchers are striking everyone out these days.

The Reds faced off against Anderson back on May 22nd, where he went five frames giving up four hits and two earned on two solo home runs. His last outing was on June 3rd against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he only went 4.1 innings and scattered eight hits against three earned runs. I think the Reds should do more of the “eight hits” than the “four hits”.

The Reds counter with rookie Vladimir Gutierrez. Vlad’s making only the third start in his career. The first two have gone pretty well, as he pitched five innings against the Cubs, allowing only two hits. Unfortunately, one of those two hits was a home run and, more unfortunately, the Reds scored no runs and lost one to nothing. He got his first win against the dirty Cardinals, though, so that’s cool.

This’ll be the third division start in a row, so hopefully Gutierrez can keep improving his game and help the Reds bring home the victory.

Art Warren is the injury replacement for Sonny Gray, and after Gray’s early exit last night, the bullpen will need all of the fresh arms it can get. Vlad’s only gone 67 and 77 pitches in his two starts. Hopefully he’ll have it enough tonight that the Reds are able to stretch that out a little further.

Go Reds, they are my favorite team!

Reds lineup

Beers lineup