The Cincinnati Reds are in the middle of a very important stretch of games this coming week. They are 2-5 in their last seven games and are dead last in the National League Central as they enter play today. They are preparing for a three-game series against the San Diego Padres starting Tuesday night only to host the Los Angeles Dodgers for three games this weekend. having another losing week will only dig them deeper in the hole behind the Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers who have an eight-game lead over the Reds before any games start today. Before the game with the Padres today the Reds have announced two roster moves.
OF – Nick Martini
The Reds have recalled Martini from the Triple-A Louisville Bats today. Martini has played in 29 games for the Reds already this season with 79 at-bats. He has 13 runs scored, 14 hits, one double, one triple, three home runs, 15 RBIs, two walks, and 22 strikeouts. He has slashed .177/.200/.329/ with a .529 OPS while playing with the Reds. With Louisville in Triple-A, he has played in eight games with 22 at-bats. He has nine runs scored, eight hits, one double, three home runs, three RBIs, nine walks, and four strikeouts. He is slashing .364/.563/.818 with a 1.381 OPS while in Triple-A.
OF – Conner Capel
The Reds have optioned Capel back to the Louisville Bats in Triple-A. Capel has played in five games for the Reds while being called up. He has eight at-bats, one run scored, two hits, two strikeouts, and one stolen base. He has slashed .250/.250/.250 with a .500 OPS in his limited time with the Reds during this most recent call-up.
Wrap up:
No game or series is a must-win in May, but this week certainly has the feel of panic surrounding this Reds team. If you have noticed many fans on social are looking for Manager David Bell to be relieved of his duties due to their slow start. Honestly given the injuries they have had to deal with along with slow starts from some the offense has been very frustrating to watch as key players like Spencer Steer, Jonathan India, and Elly De La Cruz have all had moments, especially De La Cruz, but they all three haven’t seemed to heat up at the same time. The callup of Martini is a hope to see him find the spark he provided this club to start the season where he was a hero to start the year with his three home runs and 15 RBIs. The Reds need a spark for this offense so they can provide some run support on a consistent basis for the pitching staff. This weekend will be a big test for this Reds team and I for one am hoping to see Martini be a catalyst to get this offense to wake up.
