Will Votto, Reds find redemption vs. Indians?
Cleveland absorbed a major body blow over the weekend, and yet its situation still remains preferable to that of interleague rival Cincinnati.
The two Ohio teams collide tonight, with a 6:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Progressive Field. Handicappers at online sports book Bovada.lv like Terry Francona’s club as a 1.5-run favorite. Bryan Price’s troops, on the other hand, enter as +155 underdogs.
On Saturday, the Tribe placed former All-Star Michael Brantley on the disabled list with soreness and fatigue in his surgically repaired right shoulder. Just a year ago, the outfielder’s 45 doubles paced the American League. In addition to Brantley’s absence, Francona continues to operate without key starter Carlos Carrasco (hamstring).
While the Indians (17-17) remain relevant in the standings, though, the Reds clearly cannot make such a boast. Having just lost two of three in Philadelphia, Cincy sits at 6-7 for the month. With Joey Votto mired in a career-worst slump, Adam Duvall has accepted the mantle of offensive leader at present. The heretofore unknown outfielder went for 7 for 11 with four doubles vs. the Phillies.
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Nonetheless, the Reds’ lineup stands a chance of coming around against Cody Anderson (0-3, 7.31 ERA). Upon going 0-1 with a 7.65 ERA in his first four starts, the righty was briefly demoted to Class AAA Columbus. Matters haven’t improved much since Anderson’s return to the parent club on May 7, either.
There’s an obvious mental edge, however, that the Indians enjoy in this series. Cincinnati (15-22) owns a solitary victory in the last 14 games at Cleveland. The tide could shift a bit given lefty John Lamb’s (0-0, 1.80) presence on the mound for the visiting club, but Price will undoubtedly need his suspect relief corps to exceed expectations. For one evening, we like those odds.
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