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

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – APRIL 20: Luis Castillo #58 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 25: Nick Senzel #15 of the Cincinnati Reds looks on before the MLB spring training game. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

2. Nick Senzel, Reds outfielder

Nick Senzel has not missed a game this season; so there’s that. But, while health has been the biggest concern during the early part of Senzel’s career, the former first-round pick has hit a snag and he’s currently being platooned with the red-hot Tyler Naquin. Senzel needs to start making contact if he wants to be the team’s everyday centerfielder.

I’m a firm believer that Nick Senzel will figure it out, but the early results haven’t been very promising. While the 25-year-old has shown flashes so far this season, Senzel has been unable to string together consistent at-bats.

Senzel’s current OPS of .526 is lower than any Cincinnati Reds player who has more than 10 at-bats. When Senzel is on base, given his speed and base running ability, he oftentimes scores. However, a .283 on-base percentage is less than ideal.

Nick Senzel has yet to go deep this season. While the former No. 2 overall pick isn’t known as a slugger, I had expected the third-year pro to have at least a couple long balls by now and hopefully finish the season with 20-plus.

It feels as though Senzel is due, but he’s yet to break out in big way this season. He is third on the team in runs scored. In fact, Senzel has scored nearly 77% of the time that he’s reached base. The key for Senzel will be letting the game come to him and not pressing. The most natural thing to do when you’re struggling is to try harder, but Senzel is talented enough that the hits will come.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 09: Relief pitcher Amir Garrett #50 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. Amir Garrett, Reds relief pitcher

Amir Garrett, the Cincinnati Reds’ self-professed closer, has been anything but dependable so far this season. Before the 2021 campaign kicked off, AG said that he wanted to be the Reds closer. With Raisel Iglesias traded to Los Angeles, it made sense that Garrett would get a chance to close out games. He’s fallen woefully short of expectations thus far.

Garrett’s confidence is something that Reds fans love about him, however, in the first 15 games, AG has the highest ERA of any pitcher on Cincinnati’s staff. Garrett’s ERA is sitting at 12.46, even higher than the recently dismissed Cam Bedrosian (11.12 ERA).

Cincinnati’s pitching staff has three saves on the young season; two belong to Garrett and the other one belongs to Lucas Sims. I said over the winter, that for my money, Sims should be the Cincinnati Reds closer. The only time David Bell should turn to AG with a lead in the ninth inning is if the opposing team is left-handed heavy entering the final frame.

Garrett continues to struggles against right-handed batters. To this point in 2021, Garrett has allowed a 1.783 OPS to right-handed hitters. His splits versus lefties (.944) aren’t much better, but for his career, Garrett has been fantastic at shutting down left-handed batters. Last season, left-handers slashed just .043/.214/.043 against him.

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Until Amir Garrett can reliably get outs versus right-handed hitters, Bell has no business allowing AG onto the mound with hopes of maintaining a slim lead. Much like Nick Senzel, Garrett seems to be pressing. He’s likely trying to prove that he deserves to be the team’s closer, and isn’t hitting his spots as he should.

Home / Reds News

1. Luis Castillo, Reds starting pitcher

2. Nick Senzel, Reds outfielder

3. Amir Garrett, Reds relief pitcher

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