Reds vs Padres Preview: Busy Week for Cincinnati Closer to Turnaround

Cincinnati's pitching staff is already facing major questions. Hunter Greene, their ace, won't return until July at the earliest. Brady Singer takes the mound Wednesday, but he's struggled this season with a 4.5 ERA. The Reds lost their last five games and sit 31-34 overall. Without star shortstop Elly De La Cruz sidelined by a hamstring injury, Cincinnati's lineup has lost some punch. San Diego just beat them 6-2 on Tuesday. The Padres are riding momentum at home. This game will test whether the Reds can bounce back against a solid pitching staff led by Michael King. Cincinnati needs a win badly.

Michael King is a rock for the Padres. He has a sharp 3.27 ERA and commands respect on the mound. San Diego's pitching staff knows how to win games in a tough division. Mason Miller locks down the ninth inning as one of baseball's most electric closers. The Padres beat Cincinnati 6-2 just yesterday, with runs coming from Fermin's towering home run and clutch hits down the stretch. San Diego sits 34-31 and is fighting to stay in the playoff hunt. King will face Cincinnati's weary lineup. The Padres' bullpen strength gives them a real edge in close games. Wednesday is an chance to keep rolling.

The Padres' bats came alive yesterday. Fermin rocketed a home run over the left-center wall. Sheets doubled down the line. Taylor slapped a single that brought two runs across. San Diego scored six runs and cruised to victory. Cincinnati managed just two runs and couldn't keep up. The Reds' offense needs to find rhythm without De La Cruz in the lineup. Xander Bogaerts returned for the Padres and hit a solo shot, then went quiet recently. San Diego's pitching depth means Cincinnati faces a real challenge. The Padres are rolling at home. Can the Reds claw back?