Cincinnati Reds: Lucas Sims should be a starter in 2020

Lucas Sims has been one of the most reliable pitchers in the Cincinnati Reds organization this season. But, has he done well enough to earn a chance to join the 2020 starting rotation?

Lucas Sims came to the Cincinnati Reds from the Atlanta Braves at last year’s trade deadline along with fellow pitcher Matt Wisler and outfielder Preston Tucker in exchange for Adam Duvall. Since then the Reds have moved on from both Wisler and Tucker, leaving Sims as the only player left from that deal. Should the right-hander get a chance to start in 2020?

Sims spent the beginning of his 2019 season starting for Triple-A Louisville where he is racked up a 4.56 ERA with 102 strikeouts. His success in the minor leagues allowed for him to make an emergency start for the Reds following a double-header against the Pittsburgh Pirates back in late May.

In his first big league appearance of 2019, Sims showed his absolute best. He threw 100 pitches and 7.1 innings against the Buccos, giving up 6 hits. Sims had a shutout going through the first 7 innings, but gave up a grand slam in the eighth inning after loading the bases. Though giving up four runs with one swing of the bat is never ideal, Sims got a standing ovation as he left the mound.

What was most impressive about Sims that night was his efficiency. Having been in Triple-A for the whole season, Sims was used to operating with a 20-second pitch clock, meaning that he wasted no time between pitches, rarely if ever shook off Tucker Barnhart, and got right to business dealing.

Sims made just one other start for the Cincinnati Reds since then and has made several appearances out of the bullpen. He has a 4.18 ERA with the Reds having given up only 13 runs all season. He is a reliable player out of the bullpen and is almost always good for a couple of innings of relief work.

At this point, one would assume that four of the five spots in the starting rotation are set for 2020. Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray and Trevor Bauer will without a doubt be the three-headed monster at the top of the rotation. Assuming no other moves are made to bring in a starting pitcher, Anthony DeSclafani will most likely keep his spot in the rotation as well. That leaves one spot in question.

There is always a chance that the Reds will sign Alex Wood to an extension, though he has had some rough outings and command issues since coming back from the injured list. Both Kevin Gausman and Tyler Mahle could be looked at as options for the fifth starter as well. However, I think Sims should be given a chance to earn the spot during next year’s Spring Training.

The starting rotation is already looking like it will be the Cincinnati Reds biggest strength in 2020. There is always a chance that more moves to acquire pitchers can happen over the offseason, but assuming they fill the rotation internally, Lucas Sims should definitely be given a chance and may surprise some fans next spring.