Cincinnati Reds: The injury to Alex Wood is another chance for Lucas Sims

Alex Wood had another setback and Lucas Sims will take the hill tonight for the Cincinnati Reds. It’s just another chance for Sims to prove he belongs.

Often times, the best ability an athlete can have is availability. That seems to have eluded Alex Wood this season, as the left-hander will miss tonight’s start. The Cincinnati Reds will turn to Lucas Sims, who’ll be making his third start of the season. Sims has the opportunity to prove that he belongs in the mix for next year’s starting rotation.

With Anthony DeSclafani really ramping up his performance as the 2019 season enters the month of September, the Reds rotation may be all but set entering next season. Luis Castillo, Trevor Bauer and Sonny Gray will almost assuredly be in the mix, as will Tyler Mahle.

Though his propensity to surrender home runs is a bit concerning, Disco has gone 7-5 with a 3.67 ERA in his last 15 starts. Despite giving up two home runs yesterday, a healthy Anthony DeSclafani has a 2.25 ERA and 20 strikeouts in his last 3 games. Disco is entering his last year of team control, but we should assume that the Reds will re-sign the right-hander this offseason.

So, do the Reds have a starting rotation for 2020 already? Maybe, but that shouldn’t stop Lucas Sims from making the coaching staff’s decision a little more difficult. Sims will get the ball tonight and may receive another start or two before the end of the 2019 season.

Sims would definitely be a cheaper alternative to DeSclafani or even Kevin Gausman, if the Reds decide to bring him back via arbitration. While Sims may profile as more of a spot starter on next year’s team, the right-hander has been impressive at times this season.

Sims has found a home in the bullpen. He was 5-0 with a 4.56 ERA in 19 starts for Triple-A Louisville this season. Sims is 2-1 in 17 games with the Reds, 15 of which have come in relief. Sims owns a 4.99 in the majors this season with 44 strikeouts and just 13 walks.

Lucas Sims is a smooth operator out there on the bump. Very little rattles him and he works quickly and aggressively, attacking hitters with an array of fastballs and a lively curveball. If Sims ever learns how to gain better control of his changeup, his ability to be a starting pitcher in the Reds rotation next season will increase dramatically.

Right now, I’d put Sims on par with Gausman in terms of making a run at the final starting spot in the rotation. Barring a trade in an attempt to gain another bat in the lineup, I think the majority of next year’s rotation is set.

If Sims is able to cash in on his upcoming opportunity this evening and others that may come as the season comes to a close, he could give the Cincinnati Reds front office a lot to think about. While I think he has value for the Reds going into next year, there’s always the possibility that Sims could be dealt in the offseason for another bat.

For now, let’s see what he does this evening against the Philadelphia Phillies. Though once in the Atlanta Braves organization, Sims has only pitched against the Phillies once before and it didn’t go too well. Sims went 6.1 innings, giving up 8 hits and 4 runs including a homer. He did strikeout 7 batters though, which should come as no surprise to anyone who’s seen Sims pitch.