Cincinnati Reds: 3 key players who’ve underperformed thus far in 2021

It’s hard to be overly critical at this point of the 2021 season. After all, we’re barely three weeks into a 162-game season and the Cincinnati Reds are in first place. Furthermore, the biggest question mark heading into the season, the team’s hitting, has been outstanding to begin the 2021 campaign. So, what’s the problem?

As fans, we’re always looking for our team to be perfect. While perfection is unattainable, it doesn’t mean that Reds Country doesn’t want to see their best players playing up to their potential. Three of Cincinnati’s key players have really struggled out during the first 15 games of the season.

1. Luis Castillo, Reds starting pitcher

Luis Castillo didn’t have it last night. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first such game in which Castillo struggled to perform. La Piedra is the supposed ace of the Cincinnati Reds pitching staff, but to this point, he’s been the weak link of the starting rotation.

Those may seem like harsh words, but they’re accurate. Among all the starting pitchers, Castillo’s 6.05 ERA sticks out like a sore thumb. Of all the Reds pitchers who’ve gone at least 10 innings this season, only Jose De Leon has a higher ERA. Even Sal Romano is sitting at 5.11 through seven relief appearances.

Early-season struggles are nothing new for Luis Castillo, as last season he posted a 4.76 ERA through his first three starts. But, the biggest concern thus far is Castillo’s ability to strikeout the opposing batter. Through the first four games, accounting for 19.1 innings of work, Castillo has only racked up 16 Ks. La Piedra had 26 punch outs through his first 17 innings of work in 2020.

Last season, Luis Castillo’s strikeout-rate was 30.5% and the right-hander had an impressive 11.44 K/9 according to FanGraphs. This season, Castillo’s strikeout-rate is sitting at 17.8% and his K/9 is only 7.45. Something is not right with Castillo, but hopefully Reds’ pitching coach Derek Johnson can get his ace straightened out in the coming weeks.