Reds Defy Odds and Continue to Thrive Despite Setbacks
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds have been hit hard by COVID-19 and injuries, testing the limits of their farm system and roster management. However, despite the challenges, the team has managed to not only stay alive but also thrive.
In Monday’s three-game series opener against the Seattle Mariners at Great American Ball Park, the Reds secured a 6-3 victory, marking their third win in the last four games.
Reliever Lucas Sims played a pivotal role in the victory, striking out young superstar Julio Rodríguez with the bases loaded to end the top of the seventh inning. Sims commended the team’s resilience, stating, “We just stay together. It’s a resilient bunch. I think the guys that come up, they understand what we’re trying to do here. We’re just trying to pull together, be together.”
Looking ahead, the Reds have a challenging schedule with several games remaining against tough opponents such as the Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and the St. Louis Cardinals.
In terms of standings, the Reds (72-68) are now tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks (71-67) for the third National League Wild Card spot. The Reds currently hold the tiebreaker over both the Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs (74-64), who possess a three-game lead for the second Wild Card.
The Reds have faced significant roster challenges in recent days. Since September began, they have made 23 roster moves due to COVID-19 and injuries. Four pitchers, including notable prospects Hunter Greene and Brandon Williamson, landed on the seven-day COVID-19 related injured list. Another starter, Graham Ashcraft, joined the injured list due to a stress reaction in his right big toe.
As a result, Cincinnati has had to make quick adjustments. Starter Carson Spiers was called up from Double-A Chattanooga to make his Major League debut in Sunday’s loss to the Cubs. Furthermore, Connor Phillips is set to become the 16th player to make his debut this season when he starts on Tuesday.
Despite the adversity, the Reds’ player development system has risen to the occasion. Manager David Bell acknowledged their contributions, stating, “We’ve asked a lot of our player development system, and they’ve stepped up.”
The Reds’ offense has also played a crucial role in their recent successes. In Monday’s game against the Mariners, Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Renfroe delivered two-out RBI singles in the first inning, giving Cincinnati a 2-0 lead. Spencer Steer then slugged a three-run homer in the second, extending the lead to 5-0.
Pitching has also been a standout aspect for the team. Tejay Antone, who recently returned after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and lefty Sam Moll combined for three scoreless innings with five strikeouts in Monday’s game.
While Seattle managed to score a few runs, the Reds’ pitching staff, which included fresh call-up Michael Mariot, showed resilience and limited the damage.
Mariot, who hadn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2016, expressed his happiness at being able to compete again. He pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing a solo homer but also working his way out of a two-out jam in the sixth inning.
With the game hanging in the balance, Lucas Sims stepped in to relieve Mariot in the seventh inning. He faced a bases-loaded situation but managed to strike out the dangerous Julio Rodríguez, preventing any further damage.
The Mariners did score another run in the ninth inning, but closer Ian Gibaut shut down any hopes of a comeback by securing the final out and earning the save.
Manager David Bell praised the team’s efforts, emphasizing the collective contributions made by numerous players throughout the recent challenges, stating, “It feels like so many players and so many pitchers contributed. There’s been a lot the last few days, and it feels, to me, like an organizational win. All hands on deck trying to help us get through this.”
Despite the ongoing difficulties, the Cincinnati Reds are determined to continue their fight for a playoff spot, showcasing their resilience and determination to overcome obstacles that come their way.