Martinez, Cincinnati Reds Open Weekend Set Against an Old Friend

With a win on Friday, the Cincinnati Reds (60-61) have the opportunity to get to .500 for the first time since May 3. In order to do so, they'll have to take down the Kansas City Royals (66-55), a team currently in AL Wild Card contention.

Nick Martinez (6-5, 3.16 ERA) is set to make his eighth start of the year. Thus far this year, Martinez has been more of a bullpen guy, often coming on to eat innings. As a starter, Martinez is 1-3 with a 5.02 ERA.

However, in his last two appearances (both starts), Martinez has allowed a total of five hits while not walking a single batter nor allowing a run. He also struck out 12 in those 12 innings.

The Reds' lineup is looking to make it five in a row for the second time this year (ended up going seven in a row from June 2 through June 8):

1.) 2B Jonathan India
2.) SS Elly De La Cruz
3.) C Tyler Stephenson
4.) CF TJ Friedl
5.) LF Spencer Steer
6.) DH Jeimer Candelario
7.) 1B Ty France
8.) RF Will Benson
9.) 3B Noelvi Marte
SP Nick Martinez

Meanwhile, the Royals will pitch former Red, Michael Lorenzen (5-6, 3.79). Lorenzen started off the year with the Texas Rangers and, for the second year in a row, was dealt at the trade deadline.

This will be hit third start for Kansas City. In those two previous starts, Lorenzen tossed 10 innings for an ERA of 3.60. He's allowed four runs off 11 hits and four walks while striking out eight. The Royals have yet to win a game started by Lorenzen and he's coming off a start where he allowed a pair of home runs to the St. Louis Cardinals.

This will be his second start against the Reds in his career. His lone other start came earlier this year on April 27 with the Rangers. The Reds roughed him up for five runs off six hits and a walk.

The Royals feature one of the game's best in their lineup:

1.) 2B Michael Massey
2.) SS Bobby Witt Jr.
3.) 1B Vinnie Pasquantino
4.) C Salvador Perez
5.) LF MJ Melendez
6.) 3B Paul DeJong
7.) RF Adam Frazier
8.) DH Freddy Fermin
9.) CF Kyle Isbel
SP Michael Lorenzen