Welcome, baseball fans! The 2022 season is officially underway, and the Cincinnati Reds are off to a hot start. After a disappointing 2021 campaign, the Reds have rebounded in a big way, winning their first two games of the season. Led by a strong offense and a solid bullpen, the Reds are looking like a team to watch in the National League Central.
The Reds got off to a fast start in their season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, scoring four runs in the first inning. Joey Votto, the Reds’ veteran first baseman, hit a two-run homer in the inning, and Kyle Farmer added a two-run single. The Reds went on to win the game 6-3, with Tyler Mahle turning in a strong outing on the mound.
The Reds followed up their opening day victory with a 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. Starting pitcher Luis Castillo was dominant, striking out 10 batters in six innings of work. The Reds’ offense was once again led by Votto, who hit a solo home run in the third inning. The Reds now sit at 2-0 on the season, and they will look to continue their winning ways when they face the Cubs again on Sunday.
Reds April 12 2022
Position Players
The Cincinnati Reds took the field against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 12, 2022, with a lineup featuring a blend of veteran leadership and rising stars.
Behind the plate, Tyler Stephenson, a 26-year-old catcher, handled the pitching staff. Stephenson, known for his defensive prowess and developing offensive skills, provided a reliable presence at the heart of the defense.
At first base, the Reds relied on the steady presence of 38-year-old Joey Votto. A six-time All-Star and one of the most respected hitters in the game, Votto brought his veteran leadership and exceptional plate discipline to the lineup.
The middle infield was manned by Jonathan India and Brandon Drury. India, a 25-year-old second baseman, showcased his impressive hitting skills and standout defense. Drury, a versatile 29-year-old, provided stability at third base with his consistent fielding and ability to contribute offensively.
Rounding out the infield, Mike Moustakas started at shortstop. Moustakas, a two-time All-Star, brought his experience and power-hitting ability to the lineup.
Pitching Changes
The Reds made a series of pitching moves ahead of their series with the Milwaukee Brewers. The most notable move was the recall of right-handed pitcher Dauri Moreta from Triple-A Louisville. Moreta has been impressive in the minors this season, posting a 2.84 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched. He is expected to make his major league debut in the series against the Brewers.
To make room for Moreta on the active roster, the Reds optioned left-handed reliever Alexis Díaz to Louisville. Díaz has struggled this season, posting an 8.25 ERA in 7 1/3 innings pitched. He will need to improve his command and consistency if he wants to earn another chance to pitch in the majors.
The Reds also designated right-handed reliever Art Warren for assignment. Warren has been ineffective this season, posting a 9.00 ERA in 10 innings pitched. He has been plagued by walks and home runs, and the Reds have decided to move on from him.
Additional Details on Reds Pitching Changes
The Reds’ decision to call up Moreta is a sign that they believe he is ready to contribute at the major league level. Moreta has a live fastball and a sharp slider, and he has shown good command of his pitches in the minors. He will be a welcome addition to the Reds’ bullpen, which has struggled this season.
The Reds’ decision to option Díaz is not surprising. Díaz has not been able to find the strike zone consistently this season, and he has been hit hard by opposing batters. He needs to work on his command and develop a more consistent delivery. Once he does that, he has the potential to be a valuable reliever for the Reds.
The Reds’ decision to designate Warren for assignment is a sign that they are not satisfied with his performance this season. Warren has been a reliable reliever in the past, but he has not been able to find his groove this year. He has been especially vulnerable to home runs, and the Reds have decided to move on from him.
The Reds’ pitching staff has been a major disappointment this season. The team has the worst ERA in the National League, and they have allowed the most home runs in the league. The Reds hope that the addition of Moreta and the subtraction of Warren will help to improve their pitching staff.
Injuries
Reds Injury Issues
The Reds have been dealing with a number of injuries to key players, which has contributed to their struggles on the field. Reds pitcher Luis Castillo was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain on April 12th. Castillo is one of the Reds’ top starters, and his absence will be a major blow to the rotation. Reds first baseman Joey Votto left Tuesday night’s game with left knee soreness. Votto is the Reds’ best player, and his absence will be a major setback for the team. Reds reliever Tony Santillan was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain on April 14th. Santillan is one of the Reds’ most reliable relievers, and his absence will be a major loss for the bullpen.
Castillo’s Injury
Castillo’s injury is a significant blow to the Reds’ rotation. Castillo is one of the Reds’ top starters, and his absence will be a major blow to the rotation. Castillo has been one of the Reds’ most consistent pitchers in recent years, and his absence will be a major loss for the team. Castillo is expected to miss at least a few weeks with the injury.
Votto’s Injury
Votto’s injury is also a major setback for the Reds. Votto is the Reds’ best player, and his absence will be a major loss for the team. Votto is hitting .321 with 4 home runs and 15 RBIs this season, and he is one of the most feared hitters in the league. Votto is expected to miss at least a few days with the injury.
Santillan’s Injury
Santillan’s injury is a major loss for the Reds’ bullpen. Santillan has been one of the Reds’ most reliable relievers in recent years, and his absence will be a major loss for the bullpen. Santillan has pitched in 10 games this season, and he has a 2.16 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings. Santillan is expected to miss at least a few weeks with the injury.
Upcoming Schedule
Upcoming Series
The Reds will open their 2022 regular season with a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park from April 12-14. The Brewers are coming off a 95-win season in 2021 and are considered one of the favorites in the National League Central. The Reds will need to play well in this series to get off to a good start to the season.
After the series with the Brewers, the Reds will travel to face the Chicago Cubs for a four-game series from April 15-18. The Cubs are coming off a disappointing 71-91 season in 2021, but they have made some key additions to their roster this offseason. The Reds will need to play well in this series to avoid falling behind early in the season.
Transactions
Roster Moves
The Reds claimed right-handed pitcher Adrian Sampson off waivers from the Chicago Cubs on April 12, 2022. Sampson had a 4.95 ERA in 27 appearances (11 starts) for the Cubs in 2021. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on April 10th.
The Reds released right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman on April 12, 2022. Hoffman had a 6.00 ERA in four appearances (one start) for the Reds in 2022. He was designated for assignment by the Reds on April 10th.
The Reds also made the following roster moves on April 12th:
- Reinstated right-handed pitcher Hunter Greene from the 10-day injured list.
- Optioned right-handed pitcher Dauri Moreta to Triple-A Louisville.
- Assigned right-handed pitcher Tejay Antone to the 60-day injured list.
Farm System
Minor League Highlights
The Reds’ minor league system has shown both promise and challenges in 2022. The organization’s Double-A affiliate, the Chattanooga Lookouts, has been a standout performer, sitting atop the Southern League North Division standings. Their success has been driven by a balanced offense and a solid pitching staff, led by highly touted prospects like Elly De La Cruz and Brandon Williamson.
At the High-A level, the Dayton Dragons have also been impressive, currently occupying second place in the Midwest League East Division. The team has been buoyed by the strong hitting of 2021 first-round pick Matt McLain, as well as the emergence of young talent like Jose Torres and Victor Acosta.
In contrast, the Reds’ Low-A affiliate, the Bowling Green Hot Rods, have struggled this season, languishing in last place in the Midwest League West Division. Injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued the team, but there have been some bright spots, such as the promising play of outfielder Jay Allen and pitcher Andrew Abbott.
Number Six Prospects
Among the Reds’ top prospects, six players stand out as potential difference-makers for the organization in the coming years:
- Elly De La Cruz, SS (Double-A Chattanooga): A highly athletic shortstop with exceptional speed and power, De La Cruz is considered one of the top overall prospects in baseball. His all-around skills have made him a standout in the minors, and he could reach the majors in 2023.
- Brandon Williamson, SP (Double-A Chattanooga): Williamson has emerged as the Reds’ top pitching prospect, impressing with his combination of size, velocity, and command. The right-hander has dominated at the Double-A level this year, and he could be ready for a major league debut in 2024.
- Matt McLain, OF (High-A Dayton): McLain, the Reds’ first-round pick in 2021, has shown his offensive prowess in the minors, showcasing a good hit tool and the ability to drive in runs. He is expected to make a quick rise through the system and could be an impact player for Cincinnati in the next few years.
- Connor Phillips, SP (High-A Dayton): Phillips, another highly regarded pitching prospect, has impressed with his excellent control and a deceptive changeup. The left-hander has moved quickly through the minor league ranks and could be on the cusp of a major league call-up.
- Jose Torres, C (High-A Dayton): Torres has emerged as one of the top catching prospects in the Reds’ system, combining good defensive skills with an improving bat. His ability to control the running game and handle a pitching staff effectively makes him a promising future prospect.
- Lyon Richardson, OF (Low-A Bowling Green): Richardson, a 2021 second-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance in the minors, displaying a good combination of speed, power, and fielding skills. He is still developing physically, but he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Reds in the future.