After a lopsided 10-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series, the Cincinnati Reds face elimination tonight and are turning to both a surprise starter on the mound and a shocking lineup change.
Manager Terry Francona announced that right-hander Zack Littell will start Game 2, opposing Dodgers sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Littell, acquired midseason, went a combined 10-8 with a 3.81 ERA and 130 strikeouts between Tampa Bay and Cincinnati. Yamamoto, the highly touted Japanese talent, was sharper, finishing 12-8 with a 2.49 ERA and 201 strikeouts.
Andrew Abbott, one of the Reds’ most consistent arms, might have been a more conventional choice, but after pitching last Saturday he is expected to be saved for a potential Game 3 should Cincinnati extend the series.
The bigger surprise comes at first base, where rookie Sal Stewart will start in just his 19th career game. Stewart has only 55 big-league at-bats but has made the most of them, hitting .255 with 14 hits, five home runs and eight RBIs. His power potential gives the Reds a fresh look against Yamamoto.
Other lineup adjustments include Gavin Lux slotting in as designated hitter, pushing Miguel Andújar to the bench. Spencer Steer shifts to the outfield after starting at first base in Game 1, and Noelvi Marte comes out of the lineup.
With their backs against the wall, Francona and the Reds hope Stewart’s bat — along with Littell’s arm — can spark the club to its first postseason win since 2012 and force a decisive Game 3 on Thursday.