The 2025 MLB postseason is here, and the Cincinnati Reds are back in it for the first time in 12 years. Their quest for a championship begins with a tough challenge: taking down the reigning World Series winners, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Manager Terry Francona stuck with his usual rotation down the stretch, which gives him the chance to hand the ball to Hunter Greene for Game 1 on Tuesday. Francona’s decision last week not to swap Greene for Brady Singer now pays off, allowing the Reds to start their ace in the opener.
Cincinnati’s full postseason roster was announced just ahead of the NL Wild Card Series. As expected, key names like Elly De La Cruz, Nick Lodolo, and Tyler Stephenson are part of the group aiming to knock off the defending champs.
Reds playoff roster sparks hope of miracle run under Terry Francona
Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and Noelvi Marte have been key contributors for the Reds lately, and they’ll be among the core players Terry Francona leans on as the postseason gets underway. TJ Friedl, the heartbeat of this Cincinnati team, is locked into center field for the series.
Francona also has valuable depth pieces to call upon, with Will Benson, José Trevino, and rookie Sal Stewart ready to provide sparks off the bench during the Wild Card Series.
Because the set only runs a maximum of three games, Francona opted for a hitter-heavy roster, trimming back the pitching staff. Starters Brady Singer and Zach Maxwell were left off.
For Game 1, the Reds will look to Hunter Greene to set the tone, ideally handing things over late to the dependable bullpen duo of Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagán. Connor Phillips’ recent emergence gives Cincinnati yet another trusted late-game option.
To move on to their first NLDS since 2012, the Reds will need to take two of three. De La Cruz and company are out to end that drought, starting tonight with Greene on the mound.
Be the first to comment