The Cincinnati Reds (46-71, 55-62 RL, 57-56-4 O/U) take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (47-72, 61-57 RL, 52-55-11 O/U) as the foes conclude a three-game divisional series on Sunday afternoon. The Reds give the nod to Mike Minor. The Pirates reply with Zach Thompson. The season series is 5-5.
Mike Minor will make the start to conclude the series. Minor had trouble again in his latest effort, conceding four runs in five innings against the Phillies, and was charged with another loss. The veteran left-hander is having a disastrous season, recording a 6.31 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP accompanied by a 1-10 record in 67 innings pitched. Minor allowed four runs on five hits in 6.1 innings against the Pirates in the only meeting this season and 1-2 with a 5.19 ERA in six career meetings against the rivals.
The Reds are in the midst of a 10-game road trip. They lost two of three against Philly this week and only 3-7 in their last ten bouts. The offense has taken a hit after trading key players earlier this month while the pitching has been poor all season.
The Reds traded several key hitters and are giving Albert Almora Jr. plenty of playing time as a result. The 28-year-old has not been able to find a groove, posting three RBIs on the month and has collected 29 RBIs on the year. Almora Jr. is 5 for 21 with one RBI against the Pirates this season.
The Reds are scoring an average of 4.19 runs per game ranking them 22nd overall. The pitching staff enters with a 5.05 team ERA, pegging them 28th in the big leagues.