Cincinnati Reds probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, April 23

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 are riding a five-game losing streak and will look to the newly anointed $53-million man, Hunter Greene, to stop the bleeding. The Reds haven't won a game since Greene was last on the bump, but the flamethrower exited that game after taking a comebacker off his right leg.

The Reds gave Greene some extra rest and manager David Bell has delcared the right-hander good to go. Greene's first outing of the year was against these very same Pittsburgh Pirates, so he'll be looking for some redemption when he steps onto the rubber this afternoon.

Greene will be opposed by Vince Velasquez. The right-hander has allowed just three earned runs in his last two starts while striking out 13 batters and walking five. If the Redlegs are looking to prevent a sweep at the hands of the Buccos, they'll need to jump on Velasquez early.

Cincinnati Reds starting lineup

For the series finale, Jonathan India will lead things off and man second base. TJ Friedl will be in center field today with Spencer Steer hitting behind him and acting as the Reds designated hitter. He'll be followed by right fielder Jake Fraley and first baseman Wil Myers.

Stuart Fairchild gets the start in left field and the left-handed hitting Jason Vosler will give Steer a break from the hot corner. Jose Barrero is back at shortstop after playing iin center field on Saturday, and Luke Maile will be doing the catching.

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

If you look at yesterday's box score, it's not difficult to see where the Reds lineup fell short. The Cincinnati Reds need bounce-back performance from Wil Myers on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position on Saturday evening and the duo of Tyler Stephenson and Myers left a total of 10 men on base. Stephenson and Myers went a combined 1-for-8 with five strikeouts. This is supposed to be the heart of the Reds batting order. Cincinnati cannot afford to get that type of production from the middle of their lineup.

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

Giving the nod to Stuart Fairchild against a right-handed pitcher is a step in the right direction. With Nick Senzel struggling, David Bell should be giving more starts in the outfield to Fairchild regardless of who's on the mound.

Fairchild had two hits in yesterday's affair and also drew a walk. Having him hit a bit further down in the lineup will help the 27-year-old knock in some runs so long as those ahead of him get on base.