The Cincinnati Reds had a monumentally bad start of the 2022 MLB season.
They opened things with an ugly 3-22 record that prompted many Triple-A jokes around the baseball universe.
At 10-26, they still have the worst record in MLB, but at least they don’t look like a Winter League team now.
They have gone 7-4 in their last 11 games, believe it or not, and things could start looking up once they get back Jonathan India and Joey Votto.
No, they probably won’t make the playoffs, but at least fans are now going to the stadium knowing that they likely won’t be embarrassed like they were at the start of the season.
They Have Been Getting Better Performances By Starting Pitchers
Part of the team’s recent surge can be explained by improved performance by the starting pitchers.
“After beginning the season with 31 games without a 6-inning start, the most since 1893, Reds starters have thrown at least 6.0 innings in 3 straight starts and 5 of their last 6 starts,” the Reds Media Relations Twitter account wrote on Thursday.
After beginning the season with 31 games without a 6-inning start, the most since 1893, Reds starters have thrown at least 6.0 innings in 3 straight starts and 5 of their last 6 starts.
— Reds Media Relations (@RedsPR) May 19, 2022
Tyler Mahle has improved somewhat, while Connor Overton (1.82 ERA in 24.2 innings) has been a pleasant surprise in the rotation.
Luis Castillo is now healthy and should start showcasing his vast talent in no time; while Hunter Greene, who was battered in his first few starts, is making huge strides and even threw 7.1 no-hit innings in his last start.
When rookie left-hander Nick Lodolo returns, the Reds’ overall ceiling will go up.
All in all, the Reds need to let the kids play and develop, but it’s nice to know they can look like a legitimate MLB team when all their pieces are healthy and right.
NEXT: Joey Votto Is Back In Single-A This Week