Reds-Mets Game 3 Preview

This afternoon the Cincinnati Reds will look to avoid their fourth straight loss and hoping of not getting swept by the New York Mets.  They will send left hander Jonathon Niese on the mound

Mar 8, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Alfredo Simon (31) pitches against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

looking to complete the sweep of Cincinnati.

Niese, who threw in a bullpen session without pain on Thursday, has not pitched since March 16th.

The Reds will counter with Alfredo Simon, who will be making his season debut as well. Simon, a reliever for Cincinnati the past two seasons, is in the rotation as the fifth starter because Mat Latos began the year on the DL.

Because of circumstances not related to health issues, there has been an extended layoff for Simon. He last pitched on March 24.

“I wished there hadn’t been such an extended break between outings,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “We were going to use him for an inning or two in Louisville [during an exhibition]. Of course, that game was shortened due to weather.”

Simon started camp strong but struggled in the latter end. He was tagged for 15 runs and 24 hits over his last four starts, totaling 18 1/3 innings. But he was stretched out to 90 pitches and has Price’s confidence.

“He had a good spring,” Price said. “You can’t evaluate completely by numbers in Arizona. We’re more than confident with him starting — short term or long term. I think he will do a fine job.”

Yeah this is a must win, I know it’s early in the season, but you don’t want to go St. Louis for the Cardinals’ home opener and a start of a three game series at 1-5. The offense need to score in order to get out of Flushing, NY with one victory.

First pitch at 1:10pm, TV: FSN OHIO, RADIO: 700 WLW.