News
Baker frustrated by season of adversity
Cincinnati (69-81) at Pittsburgh (56-91), 7:05 p.m. ET
By Jeff Wallner / Special to MLB.com
09/20/09 4:05 PM ET
CINCINNATI -- As the Reds prepare for their final road trip of the 2009 season, manager Dusty Baker is lamenting a season's worth of adversity and missed opportunities. "We're pretty close, which is indicative of the games we've played," Baker said. "I can't remember the last time we had a blowout. All the games have been close. I just wish we had everybody here playing together, having better years and not being injured." Nineteen players have made 21 appearances on the disabled list this season, including Joey Votto, who missed 21 games due to depression and anxiety. "Losing Votto for a month cost us some run production," Baker said. The Reds begin their final road trip Tuesday night against the Pirates at PNC Park, followed by three games in Houston. Most games this month have been close. Five of the Reds' past six contests have been one-run games, three of which were wins. "We've been matching teams' pitching," said Baker. "When you're not scoring runs, every pitch becomes critical." Baker has been pleased with the improvements the club has made, in particularly on defense, although it doesn't always reflect in the numbers. The Reds currently rank 10th in the National League in fielding percentage. "It doesn't tell the whole story," Baker said. "We're about in the middle of the pack. I like that we're near the top in double plays. If you can turn them and not hit into them, you've got a great chance." The Reds have turned 146 double plays, including one in the second inning of Sunday's game, to just 113 for the opposition. Going into Sunday, the Reds ranked fifth in the NL in double plays. Last season, the Reds were 14th in the NL in fielding percentage and committed 114 errors. The Reds currently are tied with the Cardinals for ninth in the league with 87 errors. Pitching matchupCIN: Johnny Cueto (9-10, 4.41)
Cueto was scratched from Thursday's scheduled start against the Marlins due to flu-like symptoms. Cueto will be making his 28th start of the season, fourth since being reinstated from the disabled list on Aug. 31. Cueto was placed on the DL on Aug. 20 with inflammation in his right shoulder. His most recent start came on Sept. 12 against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Cueto allowed three runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings but was the victim of a blown save in the 7-5 victory. PIT: LHP Zach Duke (10-14, 3.96 ERA)
The bullpen blew what should have been an 11th win of the season for Duke in his start on Tuesday. The left-hander, who entered that start just 1-5 with a 6.81 ERA since the beginning of August, broke out of the funk with one of his more dominant starts of the season. Duke limited a hot-hitting Dodgers team to just two runs on four hits in 7 1/3 innings. He struck out 10. Duke is 3-4 with a 3.47 ERA in eight career outings against the Reds. Tidbits
Baker has chosen to push both Justin Lehr and Matt Maloney back in the rotation, meaning neither will pitch until the series at Houston. Maloney's still feeling the effects of a finger blister. Lehr, who between winter ball, the minor leagues and the Reds has made more than 40 starts, was in need of extra rest. ... Drew Stubbs hit his third leadoff homer of the season on Saturday, tying him for the lead among Major League rookies with Andrew McCutchen and Chris Coghlan. ... Former "Cheers" star George Wendt delivered the game ball to the mound prior to Sunday's game. ... During the Reds' series against the Pirates at PNC Park, the City of Pittsburgh is hosting the two-day G-20 Summit, which begins Thursday. President Obama will chair the meeting of world leaders, which represent 85 percent of the world's economy. Tickets
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• Wednesday: Reds (Homer Bailey, 5-5, 5.15) at Pirates (Kevin Hart, 4-7, 4.71), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Reds (Bronson Arroyo, 13-13, 4.04) at Pirates (Charlie Morton, 4-8, 5.00), 12:35 p.m. ET
• Friday: Reds (Justin Lehr, 4-2, 5.30) at Astros (TBD), 8:05 p.m. ET
Jeff Wallner is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
