Cincinnati Reds: Mystery starter revealed with Ohio Cup on the line

Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs Indians

Earlier in the week, the Reds had right-hander Luis Castillo penciled in as the starter for Wednesday’s game, but those plans may have changed. Late yesterday afternoon the Reds probable pitchers for both today and tomorrow’s game were to be determined. The rotation is set, and we finally have our answer as to which two pitchers will start in Cleveland.

Tejay Antone is David Bell’s choice to take the hill on Wednesday night for his first big league start.  The 26-year old right-hander has made just one appearance this season, but it was a dandy. Let’s hope he channels that same energy tonight at Progressive Field.

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After Wade Miley failed to escape the second inning against the Cubs on July 27th, Antone tossed 4.1 innings of relief, allowing only a solo homer while striking out five Cubbies. If nothing else, Antone is well rested having not pitched in more than a week.

Trevor Bauer would’ve been an option as well and I have no doubt that Bauer would have loved to face his former teammates in Cleveland. But, considering he would be pitching on three days rest, it seems like the right decision to push Bauer’s start to Friday versus the Milwaukee Brewers.

Cleveland will have right-hander Mike Clevenger (0-1 4.91 ERA) toeing the rubber in the opener. The 29-year-old was awful in his last start against a stacked Minnesota Twins lineup. Lasting just four innings, Sunshine allowed four runs on six hits with five walks and two homers.

In his career against the Reds, Clevinger is 1-1 with an unsightly  6.06 ERA. Even though he’s fanned 20 Redlegs, Clevinger has given up 10 free passes and four homers in 16.1 innings. Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart is 3-for-6 against Clevinger with a homer, a double and two walks in eight plate appearances.

Castillo (0-1 4.50 ERA) will go to work in Game 2 of the series. Bell pushed Castillo’s start back a day, giving the Reds ace an extra day of rest. Castillo struggled during his previous start, going six innings while allowing five runs on eight hits.

Carlos Carrasco (1-1 3.75 ERA) takes the ball for the Indians in Thursday’s series finale. Like his fellow rotation mates, Carrasco mows down hitters at a dizzying rate and is stingy with the base on balls. Throwing 12 innings in his two starts, he’s whiffed 15 while allowing just two walks.

The 33-year-old right-hander is unbeaten in six career starts against the Reds with three wins and a 4.05 ERA. Throughout his career, he’s owned Reds second baseman Mike Moustakas.  Moose is slashing a measly .120/.241/.160 with just one extra-base hit in 25 at-bats.