Reds visit the Rockies grasping for thin air

Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs. Rockies

Tonight's opener finds Hunter Greene (1-2 5.47 ERA) pitching in the thin Colorado air as he opposes Antonio Senzatela (1-1 4.73 ERA) of the Rockies. Reds Country will be watching Greene's start with bated breath.

After pumping in a record 39 pitches over 100 MPH in his second start of the season, Greene failed to cross the threshold in 3.1 innings in his last outing. The Cincinnati brass states there's no cause for concern, but anytime your fastball velocity drops 5 mph from one start to the next, there's cause for concern.

Rockies' right-hander Antonio Senzatela is coming off a tough start in which he allowed five runs on 10 hits in five frames against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. One Reds player looking forward to seeing Senzatela on the bump is Tommy Pham. The outfielder is 4-for-10 lifetime against the Venezuelan.

Due to Nick Lodolo going on the injured list with a lower back strain, manager David Bell has not yet announced a starter for Saturday night's contest. Don't be surprised if the Reds' skipper deploys an "opener" and utilizes his bullpen throughout the game.

Right-hander Chad Kuhl (2-0 1.10 ERA) gets the call for manager Bud Black's squad. The former Pirate is off to a sensational start allowing just one run on six hits in a dozen frames this year. However, he hasn't fooled Joey Votto throughout his career. Cincinnati's first baseman is 7-for-15 with three doubles and a homer in their head-to-head-matchups.

Sunday's matinee series finale will feature Reiver Sanmartin (0-3 10.91 ERA) while the Rockies will counter with Kyle Freeland (0-3 6.16 ERA). This has to be Sanmartin's final opportunity to retain his roster spot.

Tossing 15.2 innings this year, the Colombian has been rocked for 22 hits and a league-leading 19 runs. The left-hander has surrendered at least five runs in each of his three 2022 starts.

Despite being winless, fellow left-hander Kyle Freeland has been much better in his last two outings. Hurling 10 frames, the University of Evansville alum has allowed just three earned runs while recording 10 strikeouts. However, the Reds have crushed Freeland the last two times they have met. Cincinnati has dented the plate 14 times in only eight innings versus the Colorado southpaw.