La Dodgers Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions May 16th 2024

Reeling Reds Brace for Challenging Series Opener Against the Dodgers

Introduction: The Cincinnati Reds are gearing up for a daunting task as they prepare to face the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers in a four-game series. With a tough schedule and recent struggles, the Reds are looking to overcome significant hurdles on their current road trip.

A Tough Schedule for the Reds

The Reds find themselves in a difficult position this month, dealing with a grueling schedule that offers little respite. After dropping two of three games to the National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks, the Reds now face the Dodgers, adding to the strain of their ten-game road trip.

Recent Performance:

The Reds’ recent form has been less than stellar, losing 12 of their last 14 games. Their latest setback was a 2-1 loss to the Diamondbacks, where despite strong pitching, the offense struggled, managing only three hits. Key players Jonathan India and Elly De La Cruz were notably absent, exacerbating the Reds’ difficulties.

Injuries and Absences:

Jonathan India was sidelined due to a migraine, while Elly De La Cruz rested for the first time. These absences contributed to the Reds’ lackluster offensive performance. Additionally, pitcher Nick Lodolo was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left groin strain, leaving the Reds to consider a bullpen game for the series opener against the Dodgers.

Dodgers’ Rotation Strategy:

The Dodgers, on the other hand, are prepared to start their ace Tyler Glasnow, who boasts a 6-1 record with a 2.53 ERA this season. Glasnow has a mixed history against the Reds, with a 3.97 ERA in 11 appearances. To manage their pitching staff’s workload, the Dodgers have employed a makeshift six-man rotation, occasionally relying on bullpen days.

Dodgers’ Recent Performance:

Despite a recent 3-3 road trip to San Diego and San Francisco, the Dodgers had previously won 14 of their last 16 games. Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in his team’s pitching setup as they return home. Recent call-ups Elieser Hernandez and Eduardo Salazar pitched a complete game against the Giants, preserving key bullpen arms for the upcoming series.

Player Highlights:

Mookie Betts is in excellent form, carrying a .348 batting average into the series, with multiple hits in each of his last four games. Teammate Shohei Ohtani, leading the majors with a .364 average, also poses a significant threat to the Reds’ pitchers.

Managerial Insights:

Reds manager David Bell remains focused on his team’s potential rather than their opponents. “It’s very important to me that our team doesn’t talk about that,” Bell said about the challenging schedule. “We expect to go out and win. We believe we’re good, and because of that, we don’t spend a lot of time talking about who we’re going to play, other than the preparation for the team.”

Conclusion:

As the Cincinnati Reds brace for a tough series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, their resilience will be tested. With key players returning and a strategic focus on their strengths, the Reds hope to turn their fortunes around despite the challenging circumstances.