Cincinnati Reds vs Atlanta Braves – July 23, 2024

This game was postponed due to rain. It will be made up as a doubleheader on Wednesday, July 24. The first game is scheduled to start at 12:20 p.m. ET. The second game will not start until 6:05 p.m. ET.

Below is the original preview of the game.

After snapping a four-game losing streak on Monday night, the Cincinnati Reds (48-53) will look to pick up a second straight win against the Atlanta Braves (54-45) on Tuesday night. It will be a tall order for the Redlegs, as veteran left-hander and 2024 National League All-Star Chris Sale will be on the mound for the Braves.

First pitch from Truist Park will be at 7:20 p.m. EDT.

Compositions

Starting Pitchers

Nick Martinez

This will be Nick Martinez’s first start since May 22. He pitched 4.2 innings against the Padres that day, allowing five runs on eight hits with one walk and just two strikeouts. Interestingly, the Reds won’t have a home opener for Martinez tonight. As a starter, he’s allowed 21 earned runs in just 25.2 innings, but as a reliever, he’s allowed just 10 runs in 46.1 innings. Despite his struggles in a starting role this season, Martinez has thrived in the bullpen, especially over the last month. Over the last 28 days, he has a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings with eight strikeouts and just one walk.

Left-handed hitters have hit him well this season, including five home runs. Martinez has done a good job of limiting walks to hitters on both sides of the plate, though. He’s currently in the 98th percentile in MLB for walk percentage. While he’s not walking batters, Martinez also isn’t striking out many batters. He’s in the 35th percentile for whiff percentage and the 25th percentile for strikeout percentage, according to Statcast. That, combined with the fact that he’s in the 23rd percentile for home run percentage, means he’s allowed a lot more fly balls and home runs. In fact, his home run percentage currently sits at 37.3%, down from his career percentage of 45.8% and 54.0% in 2023.

Separations

Using the pitch

Chris Sale

Veteran left-hander Chris Sale has consistently been one of the game’s best pitchers, particularly from 2012-18, when he made seven consecutive All-Star appearances with the White Sox and Red Sox. Sale has battled injuries in recent years, but he has found renewed vigor in the National League after being traded to Atlanta in the offseason. In 18 starts, he is 13-3 with a 2.70 ERA and 2.23 FIP. He has struck out 140 batters and allowed just 24 walks in 110.0 innings.

According to Statcast, Sale ranks in the 90th percentile in average exit velocity, chase percentage, strikeout percentage, and hitting percentage. He ranks in the 80th percentile in whiff percentage, walks, and barrels. The fact that he ranks among the top pitchers in strikeout percentage and walks is nothing new for him. With a career BB% of 5.4%, Sale has always been the type of pitcher to limit walks. His 2024 BB% is just 5.6%. Compare that to his 32.4% strikeout rate, and it’s easy to see why he’s had so much success.

Separations

Land use

Game details:

• Time: 7:20 p.m. ET
• Location: Truist Park
• Weather: 26 degrees, thunderstorms, 51% chance of rain
• Television: Bally Sports Ohio
• Radio: 700 WLW

News and Notes

The Reds change their line-up

The Reds sent Casey Legumina back to Triple-A and recalled Lyon Richardson.

More draft signings

The Reds signed two more draft picks this morning, both right-handed college pitchers.