What's Happening?
The Cincinnati Reds are looking to turn their fortunes around with the return of pitcher Rhett Lowder in the final game of their series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Lowder, who has been out for a month due to shoulder weakness, is set to start on Sunday.
The Reds have struggled against National League Central rivals, holding a 2-12 record, and have lost the first two games of the series against the Cardinals. Lowder, who has a 3-3 record with a 5.40 ERA, last pitched on May 7 against the Chicago Cubs. The Reds are also dealing with the absence of pitching coach Derek Johnson, who is on leave for personal reasons, with assistant Matt Tracy stepping in. The Cardinals, led by pitcher Michael McGreevy, have been dominant, with McGreevy boasting a 2-0 record and a 0.69 ERA against the Reds.
Why It's Important?
The return of Rhett Lowder is crucial for the Cincinnati Reds as they attempt to halt their losing streak and avoid a series sweep by the Cardinals. The Reds' performance against division rivals has been poor, impacting their standings and morale. Lowder's return could provide the necessary boost to the pitching lineup, especially with the absence of their pitching coach. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum, with strong performances from players like Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson. The outcome of this game could significantly influence the Reds' season trajectory and their ability to compete within the division.
What's Next?
The Reds will need to focus on executing their game plan and maintaining offensive consistency to overcome the Cardinals' strong lineup. With Lowder back in the rotation, the team hopes to stabilize their pitching and capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Cardinals will continue to leverage their offensive strengths and McGreevy's pitching to secure a series sweep. The Reds' ability to adapt and respond to these challenges will be critical in determining their success in upcoming games.
