Let’s see if the Reds can actually win a game in Pittsburgh today

Hmm...

Remember when the Cincinnati Reds completed a series sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals, had inched within a game of the .500 mark, and things looked like they just might turn miraculous in 2024?

Since then, the Reds have seen Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Jeimer Canderlario, and Jake Fraley hit the injured list. They’ve been completely obliterated - at home - in a sweep by the Kansas City Royals. Now, they’ve already lost the first two games of the series in Pittsburgh, and a loss to the Pirates today would once again send them into last place in the National League Central.

It would also move them to the fourth worst record in the National League altogether, placing 6 teams (and at least 8 games) between them and the final Wild Card spot. Surging became ‘treading water’ became ‘let’s just end this season already’ in a hurry, didn’t it?

Julian Aguiar will start again today. The Reds have called up Casey Kelly and designated Alan Busenitz for assignment, in case you’re following the incredible roster churn. Ty France and Dominic Smith are batting back to back in the lineup tonight just like we all expected all season.

First pitch is once again set for 6:40 PM ET. Lineups below!