Lineup, Notes

The Reds' RHP Mat Latos (1-2, 5.97 ERA) goes against RHP Charlie Morton (1-2, 4.22 ERA). Latos has had a tough start to the year, while Morton was blistered in his last outing. The game starts at 1:35 and will be aired on Root Sports.

The Lineup: Jose Tabata RF, Alex Presley LF, Neil Walker 2B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Casey McGehee 1B, Nate McLouth CF, Clint Barmes SS, Mike McKenry C, Charlie Morton P.

Cutch is out again; it's still just the aftereffects of his virus. With Monday off, maybe he can shake it before the Nats come to town. Walker goes to cleanup, Pedro drops to fifth, and McGehee is at first, kinda odd moves against a righty. It's McKenry's day to backstop. 

• Charlie Morton has been a Reds killer in his stint with Pittsburgh. He's 3-0 with a 0.93 ERA in four starts, including two complete games. 
• Ken Rosenthal on his Fox Sports vid says that he thinks JT or Alex Presley will be trade bait once Indy prospect Starling Marte masters the plate. He also wonders if Derrek Lee would be up for inking with the Brew Crew after Mat Gamel's injury.
• Joel Hanrahan has gone 5-for-5 in save chances this season and 45-for-49 since the beginning of last year. His 91.8 save percentage during 2011-12 ranks sixth in the Majors.
• Jason Grilli has struck out at least one batter in each of his first 12 appearances and has
  whiffed a total of 20 batters in 11 IP overall. His 16.36 K/per 9 IP ranks second among MLB relief pitchers behind Atlanta’s Jonny Venters (17.42).
• Don't forget Juan Cruz. He hasn't been scored on in his first 12 appearances (11 IP).
• LHP Jeff Locke (7 IP) and RHP Evan Meek (2 IP) combined on a 4-0 shutout for Indy last night.