Rotation continues to be Cincinnati Reds main concern for remaining NLDS games – NLDS News
As the Cincinnati Reds brace themselves for the remainder of the National League Division Series games at Cincinnati, the rotation continues to remain the cardinal focus of the club. Johnny Cueto has not been cleared yet to start, and Mat Latos’ name has emerged for Game 4.
For now, the club has 2-0 lead in the crucial NLDS against the San Francisco Giants. Homer Bailey will be starting Game 3. The Reds will put in indefatigable efforts to prevail in Game 3 and sweep the series.
If they fail to do so, Latos will be there to pitch in Game 4. Thus, Game 5 has to have a name in the rotation. It is for that reason that the Reds are hoping for earlier return of Johnny Cueto.
Bronson Arroyo, the Reds' starter who facilitated team’s stunning 9-0 win in the Game 2 – allowing only a hit, hopes the team finishes it on Tuesday with the win over the San Francisco Giants. If they fail to do so, he details the issues that the Reds can possibly face.
"If we can win tomorrow and close it out, that'd be great, one of the next two definitely," said Game 2 winner Bronson Arroyo on Monday. "If we have to go to a Game 5, somebody is probably going to have to pitch on three days' rest, or we're going to have to take Johnny off the roster, which would eliminate him for the next round.”
He, nonetheless, has his fingers crossed for Tuesday’s ouster of the San Francisco Giants. He said, "If we can close it out [Tuesday], it'd be great to give our bodies a little bit of a rest and give us a chance to evaluate some other guys and see what we need for Round 2."
All said, Reds' Homer Bailey will have hopes and expectations attached to him for Tuesday’s solid outing which may help the sweep the series. If that is done, Johnny Cueto will have enough time to regain fitness and form to come on the mound again and strengthen the Reds’ rotation.
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