Reds vs Cardinals: Preview, pitching matchups and prediction

Redbirds happy to just be on the field

The 2020 season has not been easy for any MLB team, but no other club has endured what the St. Louis Cardinals (6-7) have this season. Following the first five games of the 2020 campaign, St. Louis did not play another game for more than two weeks due to multiple players and staff testing positive for COVID-19. However, it appears reinforcements are on the way.

All-Star shortstop Paul DeJong and arch Reds villain Yadier Molina have both been cleared to return from the injured list, so expect to see both of them in the Cardinals lineup this weekend. As far as the Cardinals are concerned, they can’t come back quick enough. The anemic Redbird offense needs all the help it can get.

As a team, the Cardinals are not reaching base or hitting for much power.  Entering play Wednesday the Cardinals ranked 13th in the National League with both a .301 OPB and .379 slugging rate.  The lineup is littered with recognizable names off to a sluggish start.

Matt Carpenter, Kolten Wong, Tyler O’Neil, Tommy Edman and Harrison Bader are all hitting .230 or worse. Nevertheless, power-hitting first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has been immune to the Cardinals’ offensive woes.

The 32-year-old six-time All-Star is slashing .359/.432/.538 through his first 11 games. Throughout his career, he’s produced a modest .260/.337./.476 slash line with 13 homers in 60 appearances against Cincinnati Reds pitching.

St. Louis has had a better time of it on the pitching mound. Entering play yesterday, Cardinal hurlers have produced a respectable 4.14 team ERA. However, what’s been most impressive has been the ability of the pitching staff to limit baserunners.

Their mark of 6.2 hits allowed per nine innings in the best in the NL while their 1.013 WHIP ranks second among senior circuit clubs. The rotation has been solid, but the bullpen has been especially effective.

Redbird relievers have fanned 52 hitters in just 42.1 innings of work through their first 11 contests. Additionally, they’ve allowed just 24 hits and are averaging less than a base runner an inning. If the Cardinals hold a late lead, the Reds will have the unenviable task of battling a bullpen at the top of their game.