Reds at Rockies, Game 1: Preview and Lineups

The first of nine games on another western road trip.

Fresh off a series victory at home over the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cincinnati Reds again head west with hopes that this particular road trip goes as swimmingly as their previous one. First up: the Colorado Rockies, who they’ll tangle with for three games beginning Friday before they motor on down through Monument Valley to face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Land of the Endless Strip Mall. Then, they’ll wrap things up with a trip to San Diego to face the Padres for a trio of games.

Sal Romano gets the start in the first game against the Rockies, and he’ll be opposed by Colorado starter Jon Gray. Joey Votto is also back in the lineup for the Reds after getting the first few innings off on Thursday and a good walk in before the final out.

First pitch is set for 8:40 PM ET this fine, fine Friday.

Cincinnati Lineup

Colorado Lineup

Other Notes

• #FreeAlexBlandino
• Anthony DeSclafani is starting for the AAA Louisville Bats in another rehab start, one that might well be his final before being activated. Considering Sal Romano has allowed 13 ER in his last two starts (7.1 IP), that means they’d both be on regular rest to start on Wednesday in the series finale against Arizona. Safe to say, it’s probably a good idea for Sal to pitch well tonight, since optioning him instead of calling time on Homer Bailey would certainly be a much less messy transaction to get Disco a roster spot at that juncture.
• Go Reds!