Cincinnati Reds: Joey Votto’s hot bat looks to ground the Cardinals

Previewing the pitching matchups

Luis Castillo (5-1 2.45 ERA) faces St. Louis rookie Genesis Cabrera (0-1 7.36 ERA) in Tuesday night’s opener. La Piedra makes his debut performance against the Cardinals in 2019 and based on past history, Castillo has found Busch Stadium to his liking. In 3 career starts, Castillo is 1-1 with 2.70 ERA with 16 strikeouts. A solid June will almost assuredly earn Castillo his first All-Star selection.

Cardinals’ southpaw Genesis Cabrera will be making just his second career starter. The 22-year-old Dominican made his debut last week against the Philadelphia Phillies lasting just 3.2 innings, Cabrera allowed 5 runs, 3 earned, on 5 hits, while walking 2 Phillies. On the bright side, Cabrera did strikeout 5 hitters and 34 of his 53 pitchers were thrown for strikes.

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Wednesday night’s contest has Anthony DeSclafani (2-2 4.97 ERA) opposing another Cardinals rookie Dakota Hudson (4-3 3.94). For Disco, the struggle is real and you don’t have to look hard to find the culprit. DeSclafani has to avoid the long ball. The 14 homers allowed in 2019 is tied for second most in the National League. Left-handers have been wiping the dance floor with Disco to the tune of .321/.392/.670 with 9 round trippers.

The 24-year-old Dakota Hudson has been effective over his past 5 starts. Going 2-1 with a 3.07 ERA Hudson has tossed 29.1 and allowed only 1 home run, but opponents have touched up the right-hander for 30 hits while earning 12 free passes. Hudson has also struggled putting batters away evidenced by the 16 strikeouts over those 5 starts. Look for Hudson’s luck to run out Wednesday night.

Thursday’s matinee series finale features Tyler Mahle (2-5 4.26 ERA) battling Cardinals’ veteran Miles Mikolas (4-5 4.41 ERA). Mahle has been a different pitcher away from home. In 8 starts on the road, the right-hander is 0-5 with 4.96 ERA. Like, Disco the long ball has been the issue away from GABP.

Surrendering 9 home runs in just 45.1 innings will not get the job done.  Tyler Mahle also struggles against left-handers. With a slash line of .299/.342/.551 when facing lefties, it’s imperative Mahle treads carefully when facing Matt Carpenter and Kolten Wong.

Right-hander Miles Mikolas is rounding back into form following an abysmal April. In May, Mikolas went 2-3 with 3.57 ERA in 6 outings.  The 30-year-old has been enjoying some home cooking, in 7 starts, Mikolas has compiled a 2.87 ERA, while striking out 35 and only walking 7 opposing hitters.  Although, left handers have presented trouble for Mikolas. Expect to see Derek Dietrich let it fly Thursday afternoon.