Reds vs. Brewers: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs. Brewers.

One would figure with nearly a week between games, manager Craig Counsell could set his rotation coming out of the All-Star break, but the Brewers skipper has yet to announce his starters for this weekend’s three-game set.

Luckily for yours truly, Cincinnati manager David Bell isn’t engaging in such shenanigans and is providing me with writing material. Bell will call upon Tyler Mahle (7-3 3.68 ERA) in tonight’s opener.

Mahle has been excellent in two starts against the Brewers this season. Tossing a dozen innings, the right-hander has fanned 18 Beer Makers without surrendering a long ball. However, the second half of the season has not been kind to Mahle over his career.

Making 32 appearances in July through October, the California native is just 5-11 with an unsightly 5.30 ERA. Hopefully, a more experienced Tyler Mahle can avoid the post-All-Star break struggles.

I’m still not quite sure what adjustments Luis Castillo (3-10 4.65 ERA) has made the past two months, but whatever it is, please don’t change a thing. Over his last seven starts, La Piedra has allowed only 27 hits and just one homer in 44.1 innings of work. Toss in a 2.03 ERA, and this is the Castillo Reds Country loves to see.

La Piedra has dominated the Brew Crew in two matchups this season. Tossing 12.1 frames, he’s yielded just six hits and one run. Milwaukee middle infielders Willy Adames and Jace Peterson have a combined two hits in 18 at-bats versus Castillo throughout their careers.

Sunday afternoon’s series finale will feature Sonny Gray (2-4 3.19 ERA) returning to the active roster following a third trip to the IL this year. If there’s one thing that makes Gray happy, it’s seeing the Milwaukee Brewers in the batter’s box.

Over his last five starts against the Brew Crew, Gray has compiled a fantastic 2.96 ERA while punching out 32 Brewers in only 24.1 innings of work. The two-time All-Star is also at his best during July and August.

Lifetime Gray is a remarkable 35-22 during the final two months of summer. Additionally, he’s 12-7 with a sparkling 2.99 ERA in 30 career starts at GABP.  The stars are aligning for the Vanderbilt alum and the Redlegs.