MLB fans robbed of epic Reds-Pirates pitching duel, but Cincy's lineup is rejoicing

The fans who attend Saturday's game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park will receive quite a treat. Not only is Andrew Abbott scheduled to return to the mound, but Reds fans in attendance will receive an Elly De La Cruz bobblehead while supplies last. One of the Reds' biggest giveaways of the season is sure to drive folks out to GABP this weekend.

Unfortunately, Reds fans will be robbed of one of the all-time pitching matchups as both Hunter Greene and Paul Skenes will miss each other during the upcoming series. Greene, who tossed a gem in San Francisco earlier this week, will take the mound on Sunday. But Skenes last threw for Pittsburgh against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, and is not scheduled to pitch until next week.

And while fans might be a bit bummed, there's little doubt that Cincinnati's roster is doing backflips. Not only will the Reds miss Skenes during the upcoming series against the Pirates, but Mitch Keller as well. The Reds could not have picked a better time to go up against the Buccos.

MLB fans robbed of epic Reds-Pirates pitching duel, but Cincy's lineup is happy to miss Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller

The Reds are going to need all the help they can get against the Pirates. Yes, Pittsburgh is tied for the worst record in the NL Central, but Cincinnati's bats have been quiet throughout the first two weeks of the 2025 season. The Pirates are the only team in the National League with a lower batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS than the Reds.

Cincinnati was on the verge of a sweep last week in San Francisco, but couldn't hold off the Giants despite leading by a score of 5-0, and later 6-1. The Reds have scored 48 runs this season, but have plated two runs or fewer in seven of their first 13 games.

The Reds will look to get untracked against the Pirates' trio of Bailey Falter, Andrew Heaney, and Carmen Mlodzinski. Two of those three hurlers are lefties, so it'll be interesting to see how Reds manager Terry Francona stacks his lineup heading into Friday and Saturday.

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