Trade candidate Brandon Drury and the Reds look to keep the Marlins swimming upstream
By Scott Boyken
Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs. Marlins
Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene vs. Marlins starter TBD
Hunter Greene (3-12 5.59 ERA) takes the mound in tonight's opener. Miami manager Don Mattingly has yet to announce his starter. The Cincinnati rookie is coming off a solid start versus the Fish last week at GABP.
Tossing 6.1 innings, the 22-year-old right-hander limited Miami to two runs while fanning six. Even though he's surrendered 23 long balls in his debut campaign, Greene has been much better of late keeping the ball in the park. Over his last 17.1 frames, the California native has been taken deep just once.
Cincinnati Reds starter Graham Ashcraft vs. Marlins starter Braxton Garrett
Tuesday night finds Graham Ashcraft (4-2 4.64 ERA) toeing the rubber for the Redlegs while the Marlins counter with Braxton Garrett (2-4 3.96 ERA). Cincinnati's other right-hander rookie in the starting rotation had a decent outing as well against Miami.
In 6.1 innings of work, Ashcraft yielded three earned runs in addition to recording six punch outs. After compiling just five strikeouts over three starts, the Alabama native has whiffed 14 in his last 11 frames. Let's hope for more of that strikeout magic tomorrow night.
Southpaw Garrett Braxton was knocked around last week at GABP. Hurling five innings, he allowed as many runs on seven hits. However, the 24-year-old has been excellent in three starts at home fanning 23 in only 14 frames of work.
Cincinnati Reds starter Mike Minor vs. Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara
Wednesday night's series finale will feature Mike Minor (1-7 6.31 ERA) given the unenviable task of facing All-Star Sandy Alcantara (9-4 1.99 ERA) of the Marlins. Minor had one of his best appearances in a Cincinnati Reds uniform last week versus Miami.
Yielding just two runs, it was only the third time in 10 starts this season, that the Cincinnati southpaw has surrendered two earned runs or less. If you're looking for another positive regarding Minor, I have one for you. The veteran posted a 4.91 ERA in five starts in July following a 7.71 mark in June in as many outings.
To say the Reds will have their hands full facing Sandy Alcantara is an understatement. Additionally, don't expect the Miami ace to exit the game early. The right-hander has gone at least seven innings in 14 of his 21 starts this season including two complete games.