Five questions for Reds as second half begins
Still much for Reds to accomplish despite last-place standing.
Cincinnati’s recent hot streak hasn’t lifted the team out of last place, but team is poised to make up lost ground before October.
The second half of the season began for the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night.
They fifinished the fifirst half on a hot streak but are still in last place in the National League Central.
A postseason appearance may be out of the question, but the club can accomplish so much between now and October.
Here are some things to keep an eye on.
1. What will Billy Hamilton do?
The speedy center fielder looked to be playing himself out of town early in the season, but he has started to turn it around — including a .311 batting average and a .373 on-base percentage in July.
His batting average (.230) and stolen bases (22) are down, but his on-base percentage (.310) compares to his career mark.
Of course he’s still a plus defender no matter what he’s doing at the plate, but it will be interesting to see what his numbers look like at the end of the season.
2. Will the bullpen hold up?
Once everyone was in place, the bullpen became one of themost reliable parts of the team.
Raisel Iglesias has been fantastic as expected as the closer, Amir Garrett found a successful niche as a set-up man and Jared Hughes and David Hernandez have ERAs under 2.00.
The group has been leaned upon heavily, though, so it is fair to wonder if anyone will break down.
3. Will the starters improve?
The rotation continues to be a huge disappointment overall. The group has the lowest WAR (wins above replacement) in the major leagues according to Fangraphs, and that’s not the most alarming part.
The worst three ERAs among Reds withmore than five starts belong to arguably the three who were being counted upon most— Homer Bailey (6.68), Luis Castillo (5.49) and Anthony DeSclafani (5.32) — while the best starter (Matt Harvey) is not likely to be a Red beyond the trade deadline.
Sal Romano and Tyler Mahle have had their ups and downs, which is to be expected from youngsters, but strong finishes could lock down spots for 2019 and give management less to worry about.
Ditto bounce-backs by Bailey (who was good in his most-recent outing for Triple-A Louisville), Castillo and DeSclafani.
4. Who will still be here?
As mentioned, Harvey seems certain to be trade bait because hewill be a free agent after the season. The team could negotiate a longterm deal, but it’s unknown if he would be interested in that or how much it might cost.
There are numerous other trade candidates, though at this point how likely any of the mare to be sent out is in question.
Scott Schebler going ont he disabled list this week muddles the picture even more, but he and Adam Duvall could both add power to a contending team.
One or more of the relievers could bemoved, too, but the team might decide to keep that group together to build for next season.
Second baseman Scooter Gennett was thought to be a trade candidate, but he recently said the team has talked to him about being around long term.
Everyone but Harvey is under team control for next year if not longer.
5. Who might be called up?
Robert Stephenson has been coming on lately.
The team’s first-roundpick in 2011 hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in a start since June 6, has won four in a row and lowered his ERA to 3.29.
He seems like a lock to get a look with the big club.
As for position players, Dilson Herrera is already here. Nick Senzel is hurt. Outfielders Gabriel Guerrero and Phillip Ervin are having solid seasons in Louisville, but Jose Siri (Double-A) and Taylor Trammell (advanced Class A) are better prospects at this point.