McLain & Elly are back at it again today...but no, you can’t watch this time!

The Reds host the Diamondbacks in Cactus League action Thursday afternoon.

Wednesday was yet another glimpse into what this Cincinnati Reds club could be if all things continue to point in the positive direction.

Matt McLain smashed the ball all over the field (and out of it entirely), while Elly De La Cruz did, too. Christian Encarnacion-Strand socked a homer, and the offense looks not just healthy, but locked-in already.

On Thursday the Reds will add-back Austin Hays to the lineup, who homered twice two games ago before having yesterday off after Tuesday’s collective day-off. Tuesday’s game silence may well be why we’re already seeing both Elly and McLain right back in the lineup today, their first chance to get action on back to back days of the spring.

The Reds will play host to the Arizona Diamondbacks in today’s Cactus League action, I should add. They’ll do so with Graham Ashcraft on the bump again staking his claim to what appears to be a larger opening in the Opening Day rotation than we initially imagined. That’s on the heel of the news that the Reds may well be shopping in the bargain bin for additional starting depth, a pretty clear indication that the likes of Andrew Abbott and Rhett Lowder are indeed a bit behind in their recoveries from respective arm issues.

First pitch is set for 3:05 PM ET.

How To Watch/Listen

The game’s in Goodyear at the Reds home stadium, in case you’re in the Phoenix area and free this afternoon.

Sadly, that’ll be the only way to watch this one as neither the Reds nor Diamondbacks have a televised broadcast today.

You can listen to the Reds via WSAI 1360, however, or through the MLB At-Bat app.

Lineup

Other Notes

• Per Gordon Wittenmyer of The Enquirer, Spencer Steer’s shoulder issues are still a problem and his throwing plan has been pushed back. Lovely.
• Each of Cam Collier, Noelvi Marte, Sal Stewart, and Edwin Arroyo are on the travel roster today. Sure would be nice to be able to watch them play.
• Former KC Royals Josh Staumont and Scott Barlow are on the travel roster and will likely get on the mound after Doug today, as are Chase Petty and Zach Maxwell, among others.