Reds vs. White Sox: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs. White Sox

Riley O’Brien will make his MLB debut tonight for the Redlegs as the Sox counter with Reynaldo Lopez (3-3 3.16 ERA). The 26-year-old O’Brien was 7-7 with 4.55 ERA in 22 starts at Triple-A Louisville this season.

An eighth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2017 draft, the right-hander was acquired by the Reds in the Cody Reed trade last August. Needless to say, the Washington native is being tossed directly into the deep end against a potent White Sox lineup.

Splitting time between the bullpen and the rotation, Reynaldo Lopez has been a reliable weapon for the South Siders. Compiling an excellent 0.96 WHP, the 27-year-old right-hander has allowed just 37 hits in 51.1 frames. This will be his first start against Cincinnati.

Wednesday night’s series finale will feature Sonny Gray (7-8 3.99 ERA) battling Carlos Rodon (12-5 2.47 ERA) of the White Sox. Cincinnati’s right-hander is looking to return to form following a four-inning four-run stint versus the Washington Nationals.

Reds Country can only hope Gray repeats his success against Chicago earlier this season when he tossed seven shutout innings at GABP. The Vanderbilt alum is unbeaten in his last five starts versus the Sox, picking up three victories along the way.

It’s tough to be much better than Carlos Rodon’s been this season. In addition to a no-hitter on his 2021 resume, the southpaw has fanned an amazing 181 batters in just 127.2 frames. If David Bell loads up on right-handed bats, he’ll be playing directly into Rodon’s hands. Right-handed hitters are slashing a feeble .178/.251/.307 against the North Carolina native.