Cincinnati Reds: Three players who will benefit from postponed games

3. Tyler Mahle is likely to draw another start for the Reds.

Tyler Malhe has started two games for the Cincinnati Reds this season. Mahle replaced Anthony DeSclafani earlier this season while the veteran right-hander was on the injured list to begin the 2020 season. Mahle also subbed in for Wade Miley while the left-hander was nursing an injured groin. Mahle is likely to draw another start very soon.

If the Reds, as has been reported by John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, play a doubleheader against the Pirates on Monday, David Bell is going to need an additional arm in the rotation. The Reds skipper will likely turn to Mahle, who’s pitched 13.1 innings this season and put up an ERA of 3.38 while striking out 16 batters.

Bell’s other option would be Tejay Antone. The Reds rookie has shone brightly during his first bit of action in the big leagues, coming on for the injured Wade Miley a few weeks back and then gaining his first MLB start agains the Cleveland Indians on August 5th. Antone though, might be a better option to piggyback off Miley who’s not off to a good start with the Cincinnati Reds.

If the rotation holds, Bell would likely turn to Trevor Bauer and Luis Castillo should the Pirates series wrap up on Monday. The Reds would then likely turn to Wade Miley and Sonny Gray in the team’s two-game set versus the Kansas City Royals. The Reds follow that up with four straight games against the St. Louis Cardinals.

If Bell wants to keep both Bauer and Castillo on normal rest, look for Mahle to gain a start next week. Any chance that Mahle gets to impress the coaching staff is of benefit to the young right-hander who’s essentially pitching for an opportunity to be part of the 2021 starting rotation.