2025-06-22 Reds at Cardinals Matchup Preview

Starting Pitching Matchup

Andrew Abbott takes the mound for the Cincinnati Reds, countered by Miles Mikolas for the St. Louis Cardinals. Abbott will need to leverage his full arsenal to keep the Cardinals' offense at bay. Mikolas, known for his command and experience, will aim to exploit any weaknesses in the Reds' lineup.

Cincinnati Reds' Offensive Outlook

The Cincinnati Reds' offense this season has been a story of potential meeting inconsistent results. Their team weighted Runs Above Average stands at a respectable level, indicating an ability to generate runs, and their team Age is 28. One key to their success lies in their ability to capitalize on opportunities and drive runners in, as evidenced by their offensive output. While the Reds' overall offensive performance appears solid on paper, their performance against right-handed pitchers this season has been slightly below expectations. Against right-handers like Mikolas, the Reds will need to focus on shortening their swings and making consistent contact. Their ability to control the strike zone and avoid chasing pitches out of the zone will be crucial. The Reds' power hitters must be patient and wait for their pitch, while the contact hitters need to be aggressive early in the count to put pressure on Mikolas. Ultimately, the Reds' offensive success will depend on their ability to execute their game plan and make adjustments at the plate.

St. Louis Cardinals' Offensive Outlook

The St. Louis Cardinals' offense presents a contrasting challenge. The Cardinals boast a team weighted Runs Above Average that places them among the league's more productive offenses, as well as a team Age of 28. Their ability to consistently score runs stems from a lineup filled with experienced hitters who know how to work counts and drive the ball. The Cardinals' strength lies in their ability to hit for average and get on base, creating opportunities for their power hitters to drive in runs. Against left-handed pitchers like Abbott, the Cardinals have historically performed well, demonstrating their ability to adjust to different pitching styles. Their patience at the plate allows them to draw walks and extend innings, putting pressure on opposing pitchers. The Cardinals' offensive approach revolves around wearing down opposing pitchers and taking advantage of mistakes. Their ability to hit with runners in scoring position is a key component of their success.

Pitching Analysis: Andrew Abbott

Andrew Abbott brings a diverse repertoire to the mound, relying on a combination of fastball variations, a sharp breaking ball, and a changeup to keep hitters off balance. His ability to locate his pitches effectively is crucial to his success. Abbott's fastball, while not overpowering in terms of velocity, possesses good movement and deception, allowing him to generate swings and misses. His breaking ball is a key weapon, as he uses it to induce weak contact and keep hitters from sitting on his fastball. The changeup provides him with a valuable weapon against right-handed hitters, as it disrupts their timing and forces them to adjust their approach. Against a Cardinals lineup known for its patience, Abbott will need to mix his pitches effectively and avoid falling into predictable patterns.

Pitching Analysis: Miles Mikolas

Miles Mikolas, a veteran right-hander, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for control and command to the Cardinals' pitching staff. While he may not possess overpowering velocity, Mikolas relies on his ability to locate his pitches precisely and change speeds effectively to keep hitters off balance. His fastball, while not a traditional power pitch, features good movement and deception, allowing him to generate weak contact and disrupt hitters' timing. Mikolas's curveball is a key weapon in his arsenal, as he uses it to induce swings and misses and keep hitters guessing. His changeup provides him with another valuable weapon against left-handed hitters, as it disrupts their timing and forces them to adjust their approach. Against a Reds lineup known for its aggressive approach, Mikolas will need to be strategic in his pitch selection and avoid making mistakes over the heart of the plate. His ability to command the strike zone and induce weak contact will be crucial to his success.

Key Matchup to Watch

The key matchup to watch is how the Reds' hitters fare against Mikolas's command and control. If the Reds can be patient and work the count, they can get to Mikolas. Conversely, if Mikolas can induce quick outs and keep the Reds from getting on base, he will be in a position to succeed. The Cardinals' hitters need to capitalize on Abbott's mistakes.

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