Series Preview: Milwaukee Brewers @ Cincinnati Reds

The Milwaukee Brewers are set to kick off June with a thrilling three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. This matchup is particularly noteworthy as it wraps up the Brewers’ six-game road trip and comes on the heels of an impressive seven-game win streak that included sweeps against both the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies, propelling their record to a solid 32-28. This recent success places them just 1.5 games shy of an NL Wild Card spot, highlighting their current momentum.

The Reds, on the other hand, have navigated a tough stretch of games, including a grueling six-game series against the Chicago Cubs and a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals. They emerged with a 4-5 record during this span, leaving them treading water at around .500 with a season record of 29-31.

### Health Updates

In a fortunate turn for the Brewers, the roster is the healthiest it has been all season. José Quintana recently made his return, and all eyes are now on Brandon Woodruff, who is slated to make what is hoped to be his final rehab start on June 3. Other key players on the mend include Nestor Cortes, expected to return around the All-Star break, alongside infielder Tyler Black, who will begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville shortly. However, outfielders Blake Perkins and Garrett Mitchell have had their return dates pushed back to late June or July.

Conversely, the Reds are still grappling with injuries to several key players, including Jeimer Candelario (spine strain), Austin Hays (left foot contusion), and Noelvi Marte (oblique strain). Christian Encarnacion-Strand is on a rehab assignment and anticipated to return soon, but the pitching staff is also missing important arms, including Carson Spiers and Brandon Williamson.

### Player Performance

One standout player for the Brewers has been Christian Yelich, who appears to be reclaiming his MVP form. With his metrics showing a slash line of .233/.317/.423, he has already hit 12 homers, racked up 39 RBIs, scored 31 runs, and stolen 10 bases this season. Notably, over the past 13 games, Yelich has posted an impressive .346/.404/.654 line.

Other Brewers players also contributing positively include Jackson Chourio, Rhys Hoskins, and William Contreras. While they have been solid, some, including Contreras and Chourio, might be expecting more production. Brice Turang and Sal Frelick have also been consistent in getting on base and providing speed on the basepaths.

As a team, the Brewers’ hitting numbers reflect a .240 batting average, a .317 on-base percentage, and a .366 slugging percentage—ranked 25th in MLB. Despite this, their 53 homers and 274 runs scored indicate some offensive potential, with their 81 stolen bags ranking second in the league.

For the Reds, Elly De La Cruz continues to assert his presence as a threat on the bases, leading the team with 17 stolen bases and 12 home runs while maintaining a .258 batting average. Meanwhile, Matt McLain, though tied for second on the team with six homers, has a lower OPS that leaves room for improvement.

### Pitching Insights

The Brewers’ success during their win streak has been complemented by solid pitching. The bullpen, comprised of arms like Abner Uribe, Nick Mears, and Trevor Megill, has been effective, with Rob Zastryzny achieving six scoreless innings this season. Collectively, the Brewers boast a team ERA of 3.98, ranking 18th, while their starters hold a standout 3.49 ERA, placing them sixth in that category.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s bullpen is led by Tony Santillan, who holds a strong 3.29 ERA in 28 appearances. The Reds as a unit hold a 3.75 team ERA, ranking 12th in the league, with their starters posting an impressive 3.54 ERA.

### Series Matchup

The series commences on Monday, June 2, at 6:10 p.m. with Aaron Civale facing off against Brady Singer. Civale, despite a rough season start, has improved, holding a 3.00 ERA over his last two starts against the Reds. Conversely, Singer, acquired in a trade from the Royals, has been a reliable addition to the rotation.

On Tuesday, June 3, the matchup features Freddy Peralta against Hunter Greene. Peralta has been consistent despite some struggles with walks, whereas Greene, a promising young talent, has an impressive 2.63 ERA this season but has faced difficulties against the Brewers historically.

The final game on Wednesday, June 4, is yet to have a confirmed starter for the Brewers, but Andrew Abbott will take the mound for the Reds, boasting a stellar 1.51 ERA.

### How to Watch

Fans can tune in to the games through various channels, including FanDuel Sports Wisconsin and MLB.TV, alongside radio coverage from the Brewers Radio Network.

### Prediction

As the Brewers look to continue their winning streak and strengthen their Wild Card hopes, this series against the Reds offers an intriguing matchup. Although the Reds may be overlooked, their competitive spirit could make this series closely contested. Expect the Brewers to emerge victorious in two of three games as they maintain their current momentum and aim for a strong position as the season progresses.

In summary, the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds are set for an action-packed series that promises high-stakes drama and exhilarating baseball. Each team’s recent performances, lineups, and current form will make this matchup one to watch closely.

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