Last Game
Despite passing out a copy of the Joey Votto Sports Illustrated cover, last night was Jay Bruce night for the Reds. He lead the game off with a home run and finished off the victory of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 10th with a walk-off single. Thanks to the Cardinals losing again, the Reds now have a 6-game lead.
Next Game
Aaron Harang returns from a long stint on the disabled list to start for the Reds today. He had 2 rehab starts that were not good at all, so Reds fans will be holding their breath. But wouldn’t it be awesome for Harang to pitch like the ace of a few years ago for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs? If nothing else, he should be well rested. The Brewers will send Yovani Gallardo to the mound. Game-time is 7:10pm EDT.
Chapmania Finally Arrives in Cincinnati
Walt Jocketty announced yesterday that the Reds will be bringing Aroldis Chapman to the majors today.
“We’re going to bring him up tomorrow so he could be eligible for the playoffs,” general manager Walt Jocketty said.
Chapman could have been eligible for the playoffs anyway, thanks to the 2 players the Reds have on the 60-day disabled list. But this makes it definite.
Chapman will be pitching out of the bullpen, like he has for the last few weeks down in Louisville. Relief-work has suited him well. As hard as it is to fathom, he’s throwing harder, with reports of him hitting 105 on the radar gun. And he’s pitching more effectively. In 26 relief appearances, he is 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA and he’s converted 8 of 9 save opportunities.
Who will be sent down to make room for Chapman and Harang has not been announced, but Chapman will certainly make the bullpen even more imposing. Not too many batters will look forward to facing a lefty who can touch 105.
What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
The Reds have had a winning record for every month of this season so far, going 12-11 in April, 18-11 in May, 14-13 in June, 14-12 in July, and 18-8 so far in August, with just one game remaining. The last Reds team to do that was the 1976 squad.