By MIKE ROBERTS
This past weekend was disastrous for the Cincinnati Reds. After winning their series against the Colorado Rockies, they were swept in three games on the road by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first two games of the series in Pittsburgh were horrible as the Reds were outscored 26-8. Then they lost 1-0 in the series finale. Despite losing four of five, the Reds went into this week tied with St. Louis for second in the Central behind the Chicago Cubs.
Reds fans probably haven’t been happy with their team’s performance over the past few games, but here are a few things that should make them feel a little better.
A Historic April
The Reds put together a fantastic April, going 17-9 and finishing the month in first place for the first time since 2006. Yep, that was 20 years ago! That should make fans feel optimistic, knowing this team possesses the talent to be a serious contender.
The Reds also reached 20 wins before the month of May for the first time in franchise history. That’s crazy to think about, considering some of the legendary World Series champion teams this franchise has produced didn’t accomplish the feat.
By the way, the 2006 Reds had a great start, but wound up finishing the season with an 80-82 record and missed the playoffs. Hopefully, (knock on wood), that doesn’t happen to this year’s team, though.
Chase Burns Looks Like a Future Star
Hunter Greene, the ace of Cincinnati’s pitching staff, still hasn’t played this season due to injury after surgery in March to remove bone chips from his elbow, but he is expected to return at some point this year.
Chase Burns (3-1, 2.20 ERA, 1.02 WHIP) could eventually turn out to be the Reds’ best starting pitcher. He was very impressive in both of his starts this past week. In Cincinnati’s 7-2 win over the Rockies on Tuesday, Burns matched his season high of nine strikeouts, and allowed just two runs, seven hits, and a walk during his six innings on the mound. Despite the Reds losing to the Pirates 1-0 on Sunday, Burns still looked good, striking out seven batters, and allowing three hits and a walk to lower his ERA to 2.20. He also retired 16 straight before Joey Bart‘s single in the sixth inning. Unfortunately, Burns didn’t get any offensive support.
It appears that the 23-year-old Burns has a really bright future.
Nathaniel Lowe Was a Good Pickup
Cincinnati signed Lowe (.274 AVG, .945 OPS, 5 HR, 15 RBI) to a minor league contract in February. It was sort of a weird move at the time, seeing that the team already had a crowded infield. But it has proven to be a smart decision. Lowe has been a good addition to the Reds’ lineup, providing a vital left-handed bat.
Lowe has done a solid job replacing slugger Eugenio Suarez (231 AVG., .663 OPS, 3 HR, 11 RBI), who was put on the injured list April 25 with a strained oblique that is expected to keep him sidelined until at least the middle of May. This past week, Lowe had a pair of two-hit games against the Rockies, including a homer on Thursday, his fifth in six games. He also came through with another two-hit performance in the ugly 17-7 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Reds will stay on the road and play a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs that has major implications on the division standings. Then they’ll return home for a three-game series vs. the Houston Astros that begins Friday.
Here’s a look at the the upcoming schedule, including TV information and probable pitchers:
Monday, 5/4: 7:40 PM, MLB.TV, Chase Petty (CIN) (Debut) vs. Edward Cabrera (CHI) (3-0, 3.06 ERA, 1.19 WHIP)
Tuesday, 5/5: 7:40 PM, MLB.TV, Andrew Abbott (CIN) (1-2, 5.97 ERA, 1.67 WHIP) vs. Jameson Taillon (CHI) (2-1, 4.41 ERA, 1.15 WHIP)
Wednesday, 5/6: 7:40 PM, MLB.TV, Brady Singer (CIN) (2-2, 5.57 ERA, 1.73 WHIP) vs. Colin Rea (CHI) (4-1, 4.41 ERA, 1.32 WHIP)
Thursday, 5/7: 2:20 PM, MLB.TV, Rhett Lowder (CIN) (3-2, 5.09 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) vs. Shota Imanaga (3-2, 2.40 ERA, 0.85 WHIP)
Friday, 5/8: 6:40 PM, Apple TV, Chase Burns (CIN) (3-1, 2.20 ERA, 1.02 WHIP) vs. TBD (HOU)
Saturday, 5/9: 4:10 PM, MLB.TV/FS1, TBD (CIN) vs. TBD (HOU)
Sunday, 5/10: 1:40 PM, MLB.TV, TBD (CIN) vs. TBD (HOU)