Cincinnati was plagued by injuries during the first quarter of the MLB season, but the Reds appear on their way to becoming healthy once again and might have the postseason in reasonable sight. However, that could be tested on Thursday as the team goes up against the Los Angeles Dodgers and star pitcher Zach Greinke.
The Reds are 30-34 thanks to injuries. They have struggled to score runs, ranking just ahead of the San Diego Padres with 221. They are riding high on successful pitching that would be better if the Reds could give some support. Johnny Cueto put up a 12-strikeout performance on Wednesday while the team went 3 for 8 with runners in scoring position. The Reds got Joey Votta and Jay Bruce back in the lineup which is helping with offensive production. Votto is 8 for 21 against the Dodgers pitcher.
That could spell bad news for Greinke who is in the middle of his worst stretch of the season. He is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA after giving up 11 runs in his last three starts. He has been going deep into seven inning, but sacrificing a lot of hits in the process. Against the Reds he is 5-1 after putting up 11 strikeouts in seven innings back in May.
The Reds will rely on Alfredo Simon to keep their momentum alive. He is 8-3 with a 3.15 ERA on the year. In his last start against the Dodgers, the pitcher gave up five runs and five hits in just over three innings. He bounced back and won both of his starts since that matchup. However, he has struggled with consistency all season. Andre Ethier likes hitting off Simon. He put up a triple and a homer in their last meetup.
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