Cleveland Indians: Previewing the Ohio Cup rematch vs. the Reds

The Ohio Cup series heads to Cincinnati for the second and final matchup between the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds.

It was an interesting set of games the first time these two teams met. The Cleveland Indians bullpen blunder cost them a four-run lead in the ninth inning against the Reds, so the Tribe turned things around for a 19-4 win in there last meeting between these teams.

Now the Ohio Cup turns to Cincinnati for what will be the Indians final inter-league series of the 2018 regular season. This series will see the Tribe pitchers once again pick up their pats and look extremely foolish, (unless you’re Shane Bieber).

The Reds are 4-6 in their last 10 games, although we’ve seen they play much more competitively against first place baseball teams. The Indians have a bad habit of playing down to their competition. Here is how these teams lineup.

Projected Lineups

Cleveland Indians (66-51) vs. Cincinnati Reds (52-66)

Cleveland Indians: SS Francisco Lindor, LF Michael Brantley, 3B Jose Ramirez, 1B Yonder Alonso, RF Melky Cabrera, 2B Jason Kipnis, C Yan Gomes, CF Greg Allen, Indians Pitcher

Cincinnati Reds: SS Jose Peraza, 1B Joey Votto, 2B Scooter Gennett, 3B Eugenio Suarez, RF Mason Williams, C Tucker Barnhart, LF Phillip Ervin, Reds Pitcher, CF Billy Hamilton

If there was ever a time for the Indians not to have Edwin Encarnacion available, it’s when they’re unable to use the DH. Yonder Alonso will likely see himself batting fourth for much of Edwin’s absence. Also, expect to see Yandy Diaz rotate in CF with Greg Allen.

The Reds are without Scott Schebler until left week which has given Mason Williams and Phillip Ervin chances in the outfield. The top of the Reds lineup is as deadly as ever with Votto, Gennett, and Suarez having All-Star seasons.