Giants vs. Reds 5/11

It’s finally here, the penultimate game between these two teams that have been locked in battle for what feels like centuries, but has, in fact, been merely a week.

The Giants have been outscored by the Reds by 20 runs this year, 44-24. And if you thought that number was ugly, do I have something for you! They’ve also been outscored 26-5 in the first two innings, and a pathetic 14-0 in the first inning alone.

So my hot take analysis is that the Giants should try to score some runs early tonight.

Some notes: Brandon Belt is experiencing right leg inflammation that caused him to be pulled from last night’s game. He got an MRI and the results were clean, but he will get today off. He will be available as a pinch hitter, though. So no moves there.

Speaking of moves, the Giants claimed OF Aaron Altherr off of wavers from the Phillies. Pitcher Andrew Moore was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster, just a few days after being picked up. Thus continues Farhan Zaidi’s endless carousel of shuffling players.

The Giants now have three active outfielders on the 25-man roster (technically four if you count Tyler Austin, which the MLB app does not). Mac Williamson and Steven Duggar will continue to play every day, and the team is expected to activate Altherr on Tuesday against the Blue Jays. This means one of the back-up catchers will likely be moved at that time, with another possibly moved after that. Buster Posey said he’s feeling good, so he will likely be back next week, so it’s hard to imagine they would need three catchers at that time.

I’m certain that you do not need a lineup for the Reds. After the last week, you probably have their entire roster memorized. But just in case, here are the Reds who will be smashing baseballs into the cove tonight:

1. Nick Senzel - CF
2. Joey Votto - 1B
3. Eugenio Suarez - 3B
4. Jesse Winker - LF
5. Yasiel Puig - RF
6. Derek Dietrich - 2B
7. José Iglesias - SS
8. Anthony DeSclafani - P
9. Tucker Barnhart - C

And your Giants attempting to stop at least a few of those baseballs from leaving the park:

1. Joe Panik - 2B
2. Stephen Vogt - C
3. Evan Longoria - 3B
4. Pablo Sandoval - 1B
5. Mac Williamson - LF
6. Brandon Crawford - SS
7. Kevin Pillar - CF
8. Steven Duggar - RF
9. Jeff Samardzija - P