Cincinnati Reds: Predicting the 28-man playoff roster

Reds starting rotation (3)

Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray

Book it! These three names will be included in the Cincinnati Reds 28-man playoff roster. David Bell took the initiative and named his starting rotation yesterday. It shouldn’t come as a surprise either, as Trevor Bauer will start Game 1, Luis Castillo will start Game 2 and, if needed, Sonny Gray will start Game 3 of the Wild Card Round.

Bauer starting Game 1 is a no-brainer. The right-hander was dominant this season, and will likely be rewarded with his first ever Cy Young Award. Not only will it be the first time that Bauer receives the award, but it’ll be the first time in the 151-year history of the franchise that a member of the Cincinnati pitching staff takes home the trophy.

Game 2’s starter was probably a bit more of conundrum for Cincinnati skipper David Bell. Castillo and Gray are both solid, but my guess is that Gray’s stint on the injured list and Castillo’s recent success led the decision. Though Castillo struggled a bit last night, La Piedra still owns a 2.68 ERA and 1.05 WHIP over his last seven starts.

Gray will get the ball for Game 3 if needed. The Wild Card Round consists of just three games this season, and if the Reds win both Game 1 and Game 2, Gray would likely get the ball for Game 1 of the NLDS. Gray has pitched just once since returning from the IL, but he’ll get the ball today versus the Twins in the season finale.