2 Reds players who must improve vs. Phillies and 1 who needs to stay hot

Reds vs. Phillies: Relief pitcher Buck Farmer must improve

Several Reds fans would point to the likes of Will Benson or Jose Barrero in terms of players who need to improve during the upcoming series. While it would be terrific to see both Benson and Barrero begin to swing a hot bat, the expectation isn't quite there yet.

But Buck Farmer was signed to a one-year deal during the offseason and was supposed to be one of the more reliable arms in the Cincinnati bullpen heading into the 2023 season. That has not been the case so far.

Farmer has made four appearances out of the Reds pen and been saddled with both the team's losses. The right-hander, who struggled out of the gate last spring, has allowed four runs on two hits and two walks. Basically, if an opposing batter gets on base, he's coming around to score. That can't happen.

Farmer needed a tune up down in Triple-A to begin last season, and it may be in order once again in 2023. The veteran made it just 10 games into the year last season before being handed his walking papers. Farmer started out the season by allowing 15 hits through 12 innings pitched and posted a 6.75 ERA.

The Cincinnati Reds will not be so patient this season. With pitchers like Ricky Karcher and Casey Legumina licking their chops down at Triple-A, Cincinnati has some arms they're looking to deploy sooner rather than later in 2023. Farmer needs to bounce back against the Phillies.