The Milwaukee Brewers (57-48) will host the Cincinnati Reds (42-62) on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series. In the National League Central, the Brewers are tied with the Cardinals for first place, and the Reds are fourth, 14.5 games back. The Brewers have won seven of the nine head-t0-head meetings so far this season.
The Cincinnati Reds were off on Thursday after their four-game winning streak snapped. The Reds still have a respectable 7-5 record since the All-Star break. It's hard to knock Cincinnati for their 3-0 loss to the Marlins on Wednesday, as they faced Cy Young candidate Sandy Alacantara, who tossed a complete game shutout against them.
The clubhouse leader… the backbone of the squad… and he's got that dawg in him.
Congratulations to Kyle Farmer, the Reds' 2022 @MLBPAA #HeartandHustle Award winner! pic.twitter.com/QGfAjoC8rk
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 4, 2022
The Reds are 18th in MLB averaging 4.3 runs per game, 21st with 98 home runs, and 23rd with 43 stolen bases. The pitching ranks 29th with a 5.01 ERA, and is unlikely to show improvement, as the Reds were amongst the biggest sellers at the trade deadline sending their ace Luis Castillo to the Mariners, and another staring pitcher Tyler Mahle to the Twins. They also shipped outfielder Tyler Naquin to the Mets.
With the Reds pitching shorthanded, Robert Dugger will make his first start of the season. Dugger has a 6.97 career ERA in 26 games and 12 career starts. This season he has allowed six earned runs in 12 innings of work.