Cincinnati Reds probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. New York Yankees, May 19

Probable starting pitchers

The Cincinnati Reds will debut their new City Connect uniforms this evening when the New York Yankees visit Great American Ball Park.

The Reds have Connor Overton and Nick Lodolo on the Injured List and have moved on from Luis Cessa. With all of the roster changes, Ben Lively will be the start tonight for David Bell's club. Lively was originally drafted by the Reds in 2013, but after being traded to Philadelphia the following season, the right-hander made his Cincinnati debut just last week.

Former Reds infielder and current Yankees skipper Aaron Boone will send Clarke Schmidt to the hill on Friday night. The right-hander surrendered seven runs in less than five innings pitched during his last outing against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Cincinnati Reds starting lineup

The Cincinnati, or perhaps, Cincy Reds are back at Great American Ball Park and will be donning their all-black City Connect uniforms. Jonathan India will lead thigs off and play second base. After a day off on Wednesday, Matt McLain will make his home debut and play shortstop.

Jake Fraley will be followed by Spencer Steer with Tyler Stephenson handling catching duties and batting fifth. Nick Senzel is back at the hot corner, while Henry Ramos will be tonight's DH. Rounding out the lineup will be Wil Myers, and centerfielder Jose Barrero.

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

The Cincinnati Reds had a much-needed off day on Thursday, but during the 11-6 shellacking at the hands of the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, Lucas Sims didn't have his best outing of the season. Sims came on after starter Graham Ashcraft struggled and allowed four runs on two hits in less than an inning of work.

Prior to last week, Sims hadn't allowed a run all season. The right-hander missed almost all of last season due to a back injury and had been solid in his first 11 outings this season. Whether it's in this game or another one later in the series, David Bell will be looking for a bounce-back performance from one of his most reliable relievers.

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

While everyone in Reds Country is excited to see Matt McLain make his home debut, the X-factor in today's game is unquestionably Ben Lively. The right-hander will be making his first major league start since 2018.

Lively pitched well enough at Triple-A last season to earn a call-up late in the year, but was on the Injured List. The 31-year-old put together a solid campaign during his time with the Louisville Bats this season, and David Bell will hope to get at least five innings out of his starter tonight against the Yankees.