The Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies are both in the playoff chase and they square off on Saturday in the middle of a three-game set. It’s unlikely that the Reds will catch Milwaukee in the NL Central, but a recent surge put them within striking distance of the wild card. Meanwhile, the Phillies are right at the top of what could be the worst division in baseball. If previous games between the clubs are an indication we can expect some fireworks. In three matchups in Cincy earlier this season the winning team scored in double figures every time with a margin no closer than eight runs.
First pitch for this NL matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 14, 2021 from Citizens Bank Park. The matchup will air live on FS1. Bet on MLB odds and player props at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
MLB Betting Lines at BookMaker.eu
Odds Analysis
The Reds climbed back into the wild card picture thanks to a recent stretch where they won 10 of 12 games. It helped catching some struggling teams in that run, but they did what they had to. They won three straight over the Cubs and swept the Pirates in a four-game set. But after that series with the Bucs things came to a screeching halt. Games against the Phillies this season have been exciting, unless of course you’re managing one of the teams. The Reds took two of three at home winning 11-1 and 12-4 in a makeup game while dropping a 17-3 decision. That’s been the season in a nutshell; a lot of games decided by a lot of runs. The Reds are up over $300 on the moneyline but they’ve been a disaster on the runline over $1000 in the red. The Phils had their own run of success recently briefly putting them atop the NL East. An eight-game winning streak punctuated by a sweep of the then first-place Mets did the trick. The fun ended against the Dodgers when the Phils scored a total of two runs in consecutive setbacks.
Probable Pitchers
Luis Castillo: Having not lost in eight starts, Castillo more than made up for it with a horrendous performance his last time out. In a makeup game Monday against the Indians, Castillo allowed eight runs on seven hits, including a pair of homers, and didn’t make it out of the fourth inning. It’s the third time in 24 starts he’s given up that many earned runs. Still, he has a respectable 4.53 ERA despite a 1.43 WHIP and .259 opponent’s batting average. Despite that rough outing Castillo has been solid since the start of June going 5-3 with a 2.75 ERA. He’s lowered his ERA by nearly three full runs over his last 13 starts with the Reds going 8-5 in those games.
Undecided: The Phillies have yet to name a starter for this matchup with recent events putting a wrinkle in Joe Girardi’s plans. With Jose Alvarado going on the IL the club lacks a lefty in the bullpen. Southpaw Matt Moore is the best candidate to start on Saturday, according to Girardi, but he could be used out of the pen in a matchup situation prior to the game. The Phils need another starter with Chase Anderson going on the injured list last week so there’s always the potential of a minor league call up. Whoever takes the hill will have to contend with Joey Votto. The Reds slugger walloped two home runs in Wednesday’s loss to Atlanta and is hitting .353 with 13 homers in 17 games including that matchup. Moore started in nine of his 17 appearances this season as he continues his comeback bid. Things haven’t gone according to plan, though. He’s allowed 60 hits with a 6.79 ERA and 1.63 WHIP over 50.1 innings.
Reds at Phillies Prediction
If anything the game should be exciting considering what the teams did earlier this season and with both in the playoff hunt. Recent rain delays and injuries have the Phils scrambling to find pitching help and I’m not sure Moore is the answer since he’s been beaten up in his last few outings. Being relegated to the bullpen on a team that lacks starting depth is a major demotion. And neither bullpen has been trustworthy this season so runs could come in bunches giving value to the OVER.
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