The Cincinnati Reds are set to face off against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first game of a three-game interleague series on Monday evening. After a disappointing home series against the Kansas City Royals, which saw them swept and their playoff chances plummet to a mere 2.2 percent according to ESPN, the Reds are looking to regain their footing. The Blue Jays, similarly struggling, find themselves at the bottom of the AL East standings. The pitching lineup for Monday is still in flux; the Reds will be without their scheduled starter, Hunter Greene, who was placed on the injured list. The Blue Jays, however, are ready to roll with their ace, Kevin Gausman (11-8, 4.20 ERA). The game is set to commence at 7:07 pm EST.
Cincinnati Faces Starter Dilemma
The Reds’ playoff aspirations have dimmed rapidly, particularly after recent roster moves that included trading away key players. Despite initial hopes, the sweep at the hands of the Royals appears to have dashed any lingering playoff dreams. Following a tough 8-1 loss on Sunday, the Reds’ record now stands at 60-64, having been outscored 28-3 over the weekend.
The Reds are currently grappling with the decision on who will take the mound on Monday night, as Hunter Greene’s injury leaves them without their most reliable pitcher. They could opt for a bullpen approach or call up a player from the minors. Greene, an All-Star this season, has a 9-4 record and has been pivotal for the Reds. Recently promoted relief pitchers Emilio Pagan and Casey Legumina may bolster the bullpen if they choose to go that route. The Reds’ rotation has been significantly impacted, now missing three original starters due to trades and injuries.
Key Injuries: C Luke Maile, SP Graham Ashcraft, C Austin Wynns, RP Brent Suter, SP Hunter Greene, RF Nick Martini, 1B Christian Encarnacion-Strand, SP Brandon Williamson, SS Matt McLain are out.
Blue Jays Rely on Gausman’s Hot Streak
The Toronto Blue Jays have received a much-needed boost recently, thanks to the resurgence of first baseman Vlad Guerrero Jr. and starting pitcher Kevin Gausman. Despite this, the team remains in a tough spot, struggling to break free from last place in the AL East. Over the weekend, the Blue Jays faced the Chicago Cubs, winning one game out of three, with a narrow 1-0 victory on Sunday. Bowden Francis, the starting pitcher in that game, delivered an impressive performance, throwing seven scoreless innings.
Kevin Gausman is expected to take the mound against the Reds in game one. With an 11-8 record and a 4.20 ERA, Gausman has been a reliable arm for the Blue Jays. The team has won all five of his recent starts, and he has consistently pitched deep into games, going at least seven innings in four of his last five outings. This season, he has allowed 135 hits in 139.1 innings while recording 126 strikeouts and 41 walks. His latest start was a standout, as he pitched seven shutout innings against the Angels, leading to a 6-1 victory.
Key Injuries: SS Bo Bichette, SS Orelvis Martinez, RP Jordan Romero, SP Alek Manoah, and C Payton Henry are out.
Best Bets for Cincinnati Reds vs. Toronto Blue Jays
For those looking for favorable betting odds, the run-line bet on the Blue Jays at -1.5 could be a wise choice. With Gausman on the mound, the Blue Jays are poised to capitalize against a Reds team that may have to rely on their bullpen due to the absence of a starting pitcher. Notably, Gausman has won his last five starts and has been effective in pushing games into the later innings. The Reds’ offense, having struggled significantly in their series against the Royals, averaged only one run per game. Now, as they head away from their hitter-friendly home park, the Great American Ballpark, expectations are low. Gausman’s ability to induce swings and misses could lead to a solid win for the Blue Jays.
