Cincinnati Reds: Three takeaways from poor showing in Ohio Cup

1. Reds bullpen woes continue.

The Cincinnati Reds bullpen is not very good. This is hardly news to anyone who’s watched this team perform this year, but every time the bullpen gates open, Reds Country collectively holds their breath. Several solid outings from the starters have been wasted by a bullpen who ranks 29th in ERA (7.65), 3rd in home runs allowed (11) and 11th in walks (22).

Last night, José De León made his season debut, and most fans probably wish he was still on the taxi squad. De León came in relief of Luis Castillo after La Piedra allowed three runs on four hits. During his first appearance out of the Reds bullpen, De León retired his first three batters in order, but the following inning, De León allowed eight runs on four hits and four walks. Ouch!

De León isn’t the only culprit to have performed poorly. Michael Lorenzen continued his unexplainable 2020 by allowing a crucial run in Game 3 of the series. Lorenzen’s ERA currently sits at 12.46. Even Pedro Strop and Lucas Sims, who’d been the best relievers so far this season, struggled in Game 2, collectively walking three batters in one inning and giving up two runs.

Amir Garrett has been solid and Raisel Iglesias looks more like the pitcher we’re used to, but I can’t say that I trust a single arm in that bullpen. Cincinnati does not have any reinforcements at the alternate site who are likely to provide a boost. Other than Robert Stephenson, who’s currently on the injured list, this year’s team is set as far as relievers go. They’ve got to figure it out.