The future starts now as Jose Barrero and the Reds visit Milwaukee to face the Brewers

Even though some familiar faces are playing elsewhere, the Cincinnati Reds (42-62) have been impressive to open the second half of the 2022 campaign. After taking two of three from the Miami Marlins, the Redlegs are 8-5 since the Midsummer Classic and are just a half-game behind the Pittsburgh Pirates for third place in the National League Central.

Quality starting pitching has been the key to Cincinnati's success post-All-Star break. Granted, the recently departed Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle were instrumental in those exceptional starts, but the staff as a whole has been equally impressive.

Over their last 13 contests, the Reds' starting rotation is an astounding 6-3 with a 3.24 ERA and 80 K's in 77.2 innings. Additionally, Cincinnati has received quality starts from five of the six starters to toe the rubber following the All-Star break.

Can the Reds keep the wins coming as they visit the Brewers?

The Cincinnati Reds will need all that and more as they enter American Family Field to battle a reeling Milwaukee Brewers (57-48) ball club. Remarkably, the Beer Makers are returning home after being swept in a three-game set in Pittsburgh and have dropped four in a row overall.

However, the Reds weren't the only team busy at the trade deadline as the Brewers sent shock waves through the land of barley and bratwurst by sending four-time All-Star closer Josh Hader to, who else, the San Diego Padres. But Milwaukee fans shouldn't shed too many tears because the bullpen remains a strength even without Hader at the back end.

Right-hander Devin Williams has compiled a microscopic 1.77 ERA with a bewildering 66 punchouts in just 40.2 frames. In addition, they acquired southpaw Taylor Rogers from San Diego in the Hader deal, who recorded an eye-popping 28 saves for the Friars.

This will be Cincinnati's second of three trips to the Cream City this season. Milwaukee obliterated Reds' pitching during their first visit in May, sweeping the three-game set and outscoring the Redlegs by an embarrassing 34-12 margin.

It's time for Reds shortstop Jose Barrero to show what he's made of.

Over the last 10 days, the Cincinnati Reds have turned over nearly 20% of their roster as multiple veterans were dealt before the trade deadline passed on August 2nd. Outfielders Tyler Naquin, Tommy Pham, starting pitchers Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle, and infielder Brandon Drury were sent packing.

Needless to say, the future is now for some of the Reds' younger players. It's not hyperbole to say the next two months are the most important of shortstop Jose Barrero's young career. After the flurry of acquisitions over the last week, the 24-year-old Cuban is no longer the club's only possible long-term solution at shortstop.

Four of Cincinnati's top six ranked prospects play shortstop. Two of those players, Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo, were acquired over the weekend from the Seattle Mariners in the Luis Castillo trade. In addition, Marte and 2021 first-round selection Matt McLain are projected to make their MLB debut next summer.

Obviously, it's a small sample size. In 120 big league at-bats, Barrero is slashing an anemic .192/.236/.242 with five extra-base hits. However, you can't blame him for looking over his shoulder, and with good reason. If Jose Barrero doesn't finish strong in 2022, his long-term prospects of being an impact player for the Reds will have suffered a tremendous blow.

Prediction: Brewers take out their frustrations on the Reds.

This is probably not the best time to catch the Milwaukee Brewers if you're the Cincinnati Reds. On the heels of a three-game sweep courtesy of a poor Pirates club, you can bet the Brew Crew is looking to take out some frustration.

Unfortunately, our Redlegs will be on the receiving end of that beat down as the Brewers take two of three before the Reds travel to the Big Apple to battle the first place New York Mets.