Series Preview: Reds at Guardians

This is for the Ohio Cup, folks

The Reds and Guardians will meet for a two-game series. One win from Cleveland will ensure them a bye into the ALDS and retention of the coveted Ohio Cup.

The Reds are 76-81 with a with a +14 run differential, 25th in MLB in team wRC+ at 90, 2nd in baserunning runs above average at 16.2, 26th in defensive fWAR at -43.2, 23rd in starter SIERA at 4.27, and 7th in bullpen SIERA at 3.61.

The Guardians are 90-67 with a +83 run differential, 16th in MLB in team wRC+ at 100, 17th in baserunning at -0.6, 3rd in defensive fWAR 13.8, 22nd in starter SIERA at 4.26, and 2nd in bullpen SIERA at 3.38.

Matchups:

Game One: Jacob Junis, RHP (3.52 SIERA) vs. Tanner Bibee, RHP (3.60 SIERA), Monday, 6:40PM EST

Game Two: Julian Aguiar, RHP (5.46 SIERA) vs. Joey Cantillo, LHP (3.82 SIERA), Tuesday, 6:40PM EST

Analysis: The Guardians focus will be on getting a game to sew up the #2 seed and then getting their players playoff ready. I’d like to see the Guards play Angel Martinez at shortstop to see if he can be the infield bench bat for the team in the playoffs. It’ll be important to get to the Reds’ starters (Junis will probably go 3-4 innings), because their bullpen is very good. The main batting threats are Rece Hinds 175 wRC+, Elly De La Cruz 121 wRC+, and Tyler Stephenson 115 wRC+, so Bibee and Cantillo will look to keep them under control and keep the Ohio Cup in Cleveland where it belongs.