The Cincinnati Reds got hot at just the right time, and have now made the postseason for the first time in seven years courtesy of Friday night’s 7-2 win over the Twins. Despite clinching a playoff berth, the Reds do not know their playoff positioning or opponents. Cincinnati could finish anywhere from 5th to 8th, depending on the outcome of this and other series around the league. Regardless, the Reds will now pivot from trying to make the postseason to positioning the rotation for the playoffs. Because of that, the Reds have not announced their pitcher for the regular-season finale.
Going into Saturday’s game, the Twins were still holding onto the top spot in the AL Central, just a game ahead of the White Sox and Indians. All three teams have made the postseason, but the order is yet to be determined. The Twins would clinch their second consecutive AL Central title with two wins, or a combination of a win and a White Sox and Indians' loss over the final two games. That could also be the difference in hosting a playoff series or going on the road. With a 23-6 home record, the Twins are hoping to stay at Target Field for the first round of the playoffs.
Playoff Bound Reds Try to Improve Position
The Cincinnati Reds became the third team to have the league’s worst batting average (.211) and still make the playoffs. Much of that could be attributed to the long ball, which has accounted for 61.7 percent of the Reds runs this season. Also attributable is the starting rotation of Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo, and Sonny Gray, which is one of the better starting trios in the bigs. That means the Reds will be a tough opponent for whomever they face in the playoffs.
But the regular season is not over. Sunday’s finale will mark a sort of transition as the Reds prepare for their postseason run. The starting pitcher has not been announced, although Anthony DeScalfani is available to start. Otherwise, the Reds could go with a bullpen day as both Tyler Mahle and Michael Lorenzen both pitched extended innings recently. DeScalfani has posted a 6.41 FIP and a 1.696 WHIP this season and is 1-2 with a 7.04 ERA.
The Reds offense has hit a slump recently, with the team slashing .199/.313/.446 over the past seven days. Cincinnati has scored 28 runs with 12 home runs during that stretch, posting a .229 BABIP. Despite the low slash line, Joey Votto (1.164 OPS), Mike Moustakas (.333 BA) and Jesse Winker (1.032 OPS) have combined for five home runs while leading the team’s offensive production over the past week.
Hill Looks to Close Season Strong
Rich Hill gets the nod for the regular-season finale on Sunday against the Reds. Hill carries a 4.09 FIP and a 1.212 WHIP into today’s matchup. Hill is coming off a start in which he gave up just one run on three hits in seven innings against the Cubs, but was dealt a loss as his offense could not give him any run support. Over the past three games, Hill has recorded 17 strikeouts in 17 innings and faces a Reds team that has batted an even .200 against southpaws this season.Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario have led the Twins offense over the past seven games. Kepler has slashed .389/.389/.833/1.222 with two homers over that stretch, and Rosario has hit an even .300 while belting two homers. As a team, Minnesota has slashed .234/.297/.455 with a .274 BABIP over the last week. Veteran Nelson Cruz has had an outstanding year, slashing .329/.400/.576 with six home runs at Target Field.
Notable Trends
- Minnesota: 6-2 in last seven interleague home games
- Minnesota: 5-1 in last five home games against team with a winning record
- Cincinnati: 10-20 in last 30 against AL Central
- Cincinnati: N/A
