The Cincinnati Reds head back home after finishing up their first road trip of the year by taking two out of three against San Diego. Going into the series, the question was 'How will the young pitching staff bounce back after getting lit up in Arizona?' The answer was provided by three strong starts, and another question was brought up with the performance of one shaken reliever.
Going into the season, if you asked me which relief pitcher would have the most trouble getting through an inning, I would have answered Francisco Cordero. Turns out it is Nick Massett. The Reds have 4 losses, and Massett has accounted for 3 of them. And he very easily could have had another one Tuesday night. Massett has all the potential to be a star closer for years to come, but a wounded psyche could be the main impediment to him reaching that position with the Reds.
A return to Cincinnati could be what Massett needs more than anything. With the depth the Reds have in the bullpen, with Logan Ondrusek and Jordan Smith throwing as well as they have in the set-up role, Massett could be eased back into pressure situations. If he can get his confidence back, come in and get a couple of 1-2-3 innings with the outcome not on the line, he might be more prepared to come into a close game than to be thrown into the fire once again. If Massett comes out with more outings like the ones he had on this last road trip, he could very well find himself down in Louisville when Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto return to the Reds.
The Reds have a day off, then Pittsburgh comes to town for three this weekend. Cincinnati has a 1 1/2 game lead on Milwaukee, and stand at 8-4 on the season. Time for a little home cooking against the Pirates, so let's get out the Skyline Chili and Montgomery Inn Barbeque and take three this weekend. Let's Go Reds!!!
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