Robert Dugger’s International League Pitcher of the Week that he received on Monday did not translate into success at American Family Field on Friday night. Dugger replaced the departed rotation spot of Tyler Mahle, and his first start back with the big league club did not go well. Dugger allowed a pair of home runs and four walks in just four innings. Dugger departed with the Reds trailing 5-0.
The Reds bullpen held down their end, but the offense struggled for a fifth straight game as they lost players at the trade deadline. The Reds have scored just 9 runs over the last 5 games.
Biggest Play of the Game
According to Fangraphs WPA statistic (winning percentage added), the biggest play of the game was Robert Dugger allowing a 2-run home run to Rowdy Tellez with 1 out in the first inning, giving the Brewers a 2-0 lead. That play decreased the Reds probability of winning by 16.7% (from 45.0% to 28.2%).
Positives
Nick Senzel had 2 more hits tonight. He entered play hitting .275/.333/.420 with a 108 wRC+ since July 4th. It is nice to see him hitting better and near the top of the lineup. A big finish and a clean bill of health to finish the season for Senzel would be very encouraging.
Kyle Farmer had 2 hits and an RBI in his debut as the Reds new apparent third-baseman. Tonight was Farmer’s first start at third base since April 26, 2021.
The Reds bullpen threw four scoreless innings. Ross Detwiler and Luis Cessa each pitched a scoreless inning after taking over for Dugger, Ian Gibaut retired 5 of the 6 batters he faced with 4 strikeouts, and Reiver Sanmartin was able to sneak out of a jam in the 8th.
Negatives
Robert Dugger‘s final line was rough: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K. He allowed 9 hard hit balls according to Statcast. The Reds #5 prospect according to Doug Gray started tonight for AAA-Louisville. He didn’t have a great start tonight (suffered some tough luck from what I saw), but he has been pitching well of late. You have to wonder how many starts Dugger would get before they give Williamson a shot.
Jose Barrero is 0 for 6 with 3 strikeouts in his start to the season after being recalled on Wednesday. He was pinch-hit for by Mike Moustakas in the 9th inning.
Jonathan India had his 7th error of the season when he air-mailed a throw to first base that he should have just put in his pocket.
Not so random thoughts…………..
I really enjoyed the AppleTV+ broadcast. It was fun to have a very different style broadcast, and some of the camera angles were especially good. I also thought that play-by-play announcer Melanie Newman did a nice job.
Up Next:
Reds at Brewers
Friday, 7:15 PM
TV: FOX
Nick Lodolo (4.23 ERA/3.79 FIP) vs Aaron Ashby (4.13 ERA/3.75 FIP)
