Cincinnati Reds probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Colorado Rockies, May 17

Cincinnati Reds probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Colorado Rockies, May 17

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

Probable starting pitchers

The Cincinnati Reds will be looking for their third straight series victory and their second such feat on the road trip before returning to Great American Ball Park on Friday. The Redlegs will send Graham Ashcraft to the bump for the rubber match against the Colorado Rockies.

Ashcraft will have a tough act to follow after Brandon Williamson's sprakling debut at Coors Field last night. Ashcraft's last outing was a mixed bag with the right-hander allowing three runs on six hits with a pair of walks and three punch outs.

Opposing Graham Ashcraft will be left-hander Austin Gomber. Formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals, Gomber has a 6.30 ERA in eight starts for the Rockies this season with just 28 strikeouts in 40 innings pitched.

Cincinnati Reds starting lineup

Jonathan India will get a break from the field today and will be the team's designated hitter. But, India will still be batting leadoff. Nick Senzel is in the No. 2 against the left-hander and will be followed by Spencer Steer and Stuart Fairchild.

Now, here's where things get interesting. Kevin Newman is batting fifth and subbing in at the keystone for Jonathan India. He'll be followed by Wil Myers. Jose Barrero gets the start over Matt McLain at shortstop with Jake Fraley and Luke Maile bringing up the rear.

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

Surprisingly, the Reds need a bounce-back performance from Jonathan India today. India has been the most consistent performer for the Reds all season, but went 0-for-4 last night against the Colorado Rockies.

It wasn't as if India didn't make contact. He did not go down swinging in any of his four at-bats, so there's every reason to believe that the former Rookie of the Year can rebound today in Denver before the team returns home to Cincinnati for a three-game set with the New York Yankees.

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

Nick Senzel has been playing good baseball of late. Ever since the Cincinnati Reds have turned Senzel from a rotational outfielder into the everyday third baseman, the former first-round pick has flourished.

Senzel was 1-for-4 last night with a go-ahead blast to straight-away center field. Over his last seven games, Senzel is slashing .320/.414/.560. Stay hot, Nick!