Another Day, Another Bullpen Game as the Reeling Reds Try to Stop the Skid

After going with what looked to be a bullpen day last night, the Cincinnati Reds (62-29) are going for two in a row on Wednesday as Fernando Cruz (3-8, 5.30) makes his first start of the year and fifth in his career.

Thus far this year, Cruz has appeared in 61 games out of the bullpen and tossed 52 2/3 innings. He's taken a sizable step back this year and this is his first season with a negative bWAR at -0.2.

Cruz was utilized as an opener on August 26 and September 19 of last year. In total, he pitched three innings, allowed one hit and one run (but not in the same game), and struck out five.

Last night, the Reds' lineup was inconsistent but statistically looked good. Tonight, they'll try to get it going to avoid dropping the series:

1.) 2B Jonathan India
2.) SS Elly De La Cruz
3.) C Tyler Stephenson
4.) CF TJ Friedl
5.) LF Spencer Steer
6.) 3B Santiago Espinal
7.) 1B Dominic Smith
8.) DH Amed Rosario
9.) RF Will Benson
SP/Opener Fernando Cruz

Osvaldo Bido (5-3, 3.24 ERA) takes the hill for Oakland and will look to continue to grow in his second year in the bigs. His 3.24 ERA is incredibly bloated due to a seven-run outing last month. Remove that one start, it falls to 2.14.

He's on an incredible run right now. The former reliever has pitched 17 innings over his last three starts and has allowed a single run off five hits and six walks..

Bido has pitched against the Reds once before. Last year, he came in for the 10th inning and allowed the ghost runner to score, resulting in a Reds win in Pittsburgh.

The Athletics' lineup was quiet early but took care of business last night:

1.) RF Lawrence Butler
2.) DH Brent Rooker
3.) CF JJ Bleday
4.) C Shea Langeliers
5.) 1B Seth Brown
6.) LF Daz Cameron
7.) 2B Zack Gelof
8.) 3B Max Schuemann
9.) SS Jacob Wilson
SP Osvaldo Bido