Cincinnati Reds probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Colorado Rockies, May 16

Cincinnati Reds probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Colorado Rockies, May 16

1. Probable starting pitchers
2. Cincinnati Reds starting lineup
3. Which Cincinnati Reds player needs to bounce back in tonight's game?
4. Which Cincinnati Reds player will be the X-factor in tonight's game?

Probable starting pitchers

It's a new day, and another Cincinnati Reds prospect is set to make his major league debut at Coors Field. Matt McLain had a nice showing on Monday night. Can Reds fans expect the same from Brandon Williamson on Tuesday night?

Williamson, one of the organization's Top 20 prospects according to MLB Pipeline, has struggled at Triple-A this season. But after being added to the Reds 40-man roster during the offseason, Cincinnati's front office needs to see what they have in the TCU alum.

Williamson will be opposed by former Reds starter Chase Anderson. The Reds signed Anderson to a minor league contract during the offseason, and before he was able to opt out of his deal, Cincinnati shipped the right-hander to Tampa Bay. After two appearances with the Rays, Anderson landed in the Rockies organization.

Cincinnati Reds starting lineup

Jonathan India will be leading things off tonight and be followed by Matt McLain. Jake "The Rake" Fraley will bat third and be followed by first baseman Spencer Steer. Tyler Stephenson will act as the Reds DH and bat fifth.

Nick Senzel is back at the hot corner and will be followed by right fielder Wil Myers. Stuart Fairchild draws the start in center field and Curt Casali will be behind the plate for Brandon Williamson.

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

If you were to ask most fans who's been the most underwhelming performer in the batters' box this season, a lot of Reds Country would direct their ire to free agent signee Wil Myers. While that's more than fair, Tyler Stephenson has been strugglnig as well.

Yes, Stephenson went 1-for-5 last night with an RBI double, but on the season the Reds backstop owns a minuscule .682 OPS. Stephenson was a very disciplined hitter during his rookie season, but after missing out on all but 50 games last season, the Reds catcher has struggled to recapture his power. Stephenson's also striking out nearly 30-percent of his ABs.

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

Well, it's Brandon Williamson's debut, and the left-hander will have a tough task in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field. That said, things aren't going to get much easier once Williamson makes his home debut at Great American Ball Park.

Williamson has struggled to maintain consistency at Triple-A this season, but his last two outings were much more promising. Williamson has the stuff to strikeout 10-plus batters in a game, but he could also walk five. The southpaw must command his fastball tonight agains the Rockies.