Cincinnati Reds probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Atlanta Braves, April 12

Probable starting pitchers

Will today be the day that Hunter Greene finally puts together a quality start? Reds fans certainly hope so after watching the former first-round pick struggle in this first two starts to begin the 2023 season.

The Cincinnati Reds called upon Greene on Opening Day and he lasted just 3.1 innings. During Greene's start last week in Philadelphia, the right-hander went just 4.2 innings of work and walked three batters.

Greene will be opposed by another fireballer in Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider. Last year's rookie hurler is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 18 punch outs in 11 innings pitched this season. This will be a high-velocity duel between two flamethrowers.

Cincinnati Reds starting lineup

As has been the case for the past several games, Jonathan India will lead things off and be followed by outfielders TJ Friedl and Jake Fraley. Tyler Stephenson will bat cleanup and act as the team's designated hitter. The slumping Wil Myers will bat fifth and Jason Vosler gets the start at third base while Spencer Steer gets the night off.

David Bell is not sending his best lineup onto the field Wednesday. With Spencer Steer out of the lineup, Jose Barrero is bumped all the way up to seventh in the batting order. He'll be followed by catcher Luke Maile and left fielder Will Benson.

Which Cincinnati Reds player needs to bounce back in tonight's game?

No one on the Cincinnati Reds roster needs to bounce back more than Wil Myers. The Reds right fielder was absolutely dreadful on Tuesday night in Atlanta. Myers was 0-for-5 and donned the golden sombrero after striking out four times and leaving seven men on base.

Myers has looked abysmal since the start of the season. If Myers can't get things going tonight in Atlanta, David Bell seriously needs to consider moving the veteran down in the batting order.

Which Cincinnati Reds player will be the X-factor in tonight's game?

Honestly, the X-factor tonight will be the Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene. Taken No. 2 overall in the 2017 MLB Draft, Greene has to set the tone tonight for Cincinnati and has to go deeper than his previous two outings.

A lot has been heaped on Greene's shoulder's this season, but the 23-year-old is used to high expectations. After Luis Cessa bowed out having thrown just 71 pitches on Tuesday night, the Reds need Greene to give them six-plus innings on Wednesday.