Cincinnati Reds pitcher Cody Reed eyeing first win at Marlins Park

After being called up by the Cincinnati Reds five weeks ago for a role in the bullpen, pitcher Cody Reed quickly showed why he should be a starter. Tonight in Miami, he goes for his first win as the season winds down.

With only 10 days left in the regular season, the Cincinnati Reds make their last road trip to face the Miami Marlins. After a rough series with the Milwaukee Brewers where they only scored three runs over three games, the Reds are looking to finish strong. Now is that time to win the series against the Marlins, and then the Kansas City Royals. Both teams are well below .500.

No quit in them

In the month of September, certain guys have turned it up a notch and even returned to old form. First baseman Joey Votto has been on a tear in September and in the last 15 games has 18 hits, 10 runs batted in, three home runs, and a .400 batting average. Add to that a .560 slugging percentage, and Votto is getting on base consistently. This is optimistic for Reds fans, considering Votto was rattled by a DL stint after getting plunked by then Nationals’ pitcher Ryan Madson.

Another consistent batter has been shortstop José Peraza. In the last 15 games, Peraza has 21 hits, four home runs, 11 RBIs, and is slugging .597. Developing into the starter at shortstop, his approach at the plate has continued to improve and hopefully will carry over into 2019.

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Time to step it up

Two of the three Cincinnati Reds’ All-Stars have been struggling as of late, and it really isn’t like them. Scooter Gennett, who could be looking at a contract extension in the off-season, has 17 hits in his last 15 games. What is concerning though is the number of strikeouts in that time (12). Against young pitchers in a hitter-friendly ballpark, Gennett should have a bounce-back series.

Fellow All-Star and slugger Eugenio Suárez has also been slumping at the plate. In his last 15 games, Suárez has eight hits, one home run, one run batted in, and 17 strikeouts. While the plate discipline has been lacking, Suárez needs to finish his career season strong (32 home runs, 101 RBIs) against teams that are known for giving up runs.

Reed it to believe it

The starter for tonight’s game is Cody Reed is getting his looks as a starting pitcher after numerous relief appearances earlier in the season. Following an impressive outing  against the Chicago Cubs where he struck out 10 batters, Reed looks to continue that dominance against a young Marlins team.

While other young pitchers have shown why they shouldn’t make the rotation, Reed is proving hard to send back to the bullpen now. It also helps if a starter can last more then three to four innings in a game. Reed went five against the Cubs in Wrigley.

If Reed can start out strong and avoid his kryptonite of walking batters, I expect another dazzling outing. With Marlins park being so cavernous, it will be important to keep the ball inside the park and in the infield. As long as he gets defensive help and offensive runs, Reed will continue to make his case. It isn’t usual to have a young left-handed pitcher like this show flashes of dominance, but you never can judge a book by its cover, only after you “Reed” it.

The Reds begin the first of four games tonight at Marlins Park. Jeff Brigham of the Marlins is on the mound and looking for his first win of the season too. Game start is at 7:10 pm ET.