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Tanner Roark and the Cincinnati Reds starters look to dominate the Mets

ByScott Boyken|
SAN DIEGO, CA - APRIL 18: Tanner Roark #35 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park April 18, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - APRIL 18: Tanner Roark #35 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park April 18, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
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Cincinnati Reds
CINCINNATI, OHIO – MARCH 28: Luis Castillo #58 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the first inning of the game on Opening Day between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)

Previewing the pitching matchups

In Monday’s series opener, Tanner Roark (1-1 3.24 ERA) takes the mound for the Cincinnati Reds against right-hander Zack Wheeler (2-2 4.85 ERA). Roark and the Mets are no strangers to one another. The former Washington Nationals hurler has had his way when facing the New Yorkers.

In his career, the 32-year-old righty has compiled an 8-4 record with a 3.07 ERA in 16 starts against the Mets. Citi Field has been welcoming to Tanner Roark over the years. He has authored a 2.73 ERA in 9 starts in the Big Apple. Outfielder Michael Conforto can attest to Roark’s dominance. In 23 at-bats the left-handed hitting Conforto is slashing a measly .174/.296/.391.

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Reds ace Luis Castillo (3-1 1.23 ERA) opposes southpaw Jason Vargas (1-1 7.20 ERA) Tuesday night. In only 6 starts on the season, Castillo has accumulated a 2.0 bWAR. The 26-year-old Dominican will be making his Citi Field debut.

The 36-year-old Vargas will be making his 5th career start vs. Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Reds have treated Vargas rudely in the past. The 13-year veteran is 1-2 with a horrific 7.98 ERA. Game two of this series, Castillo vs. Vargas, is a game the Reds have to win.

Wednesday night the Reds will face reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom (2-3 4.85 ERA). This will be deGrom’s second start following a stint on the 10-day IL due to a sore elbow.  His first start against the Milwaukee Brewers did not go well.

In that game, Jacob deGrom allowed 5 hits and 5 runs over 4 innings of work, while walking 3 and fanning 7 Brewers. Lifetime he’s 2-1 with 2.25 ERA in 4 career starts against the Reds. In those 4 starts, he’s struck out 34 Reds in only 24 innings.

The Reds will counter with Anthony DeSclafani (1-1 4.26 ERA) on Wednesday night. Disco has been excellent in his past 2 starts. In 12 innings the right-hander has allowed 1 run, 6 hits and has whiffed 12 batters.

DeSclafani is looking for his first career win against the Mets. In 4 games, 3 as a starter, he is 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA. Let’s hope the spirit of Studio 54 engulfs New York Wednesday night and Disco dances his way to a victory.

Wrapping up the Reds stay in New York on Thursday, the Mets look to drop the hammer on the Reds by sending Noah Syndergaard (1-3 6.35 ERA) against Tyler Mahle (0-3 4.50 ERA). Thor is seeking to avenge some recent awful performances. In his past 3 starts, Syndergaard has allowed a whopping 27 hits and 14 runs in 15 innings. However, his counterpart hasn’t been much better.

Tyler Mahle, in his past 3 starts, is 0-3 with a 6.88 ERA. The 24-year-old right-hander has thrown strikes, but has been susceptible to the big inning. Mahle has allowed 3 home runs and 25 hits in his past 17 innings of work. Following the recent setback of Alex Wood as he battles back issues, it’s important for the Reds and Mahle that he becomes a reliable option in the rotation.

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