Who Would Start the Wild Card Game for the Reds?

As the season winds down, the chances of the Reds making the playoffs seems rather likely. That Reds have experienced a roller coaster ride of starting pitching this year. Sometimes they are lights out, while other times, they get hit rather hard. The leaves the question to be asked: Which Reds starter would get the ball in a win or go home game?

Here is a breakdown of each of the Reds five starters.

Wade Miley

Image Courtesy of Dylan Buell

Wade Miley has been the Reds most reliable starter for a majority of the 2021 season. Miley is currently in the midst of one of his best seasons of his career. He has posted an 11-4 record with an ERA below a 3. To go along with that, he has thrown nearly 145 innings in his 24 starts, good for an average length of about 6 innings a start. He has provided the Reds with stability and consistency through the entire year. He has come up big for the Reds in clutch situations all year, a Wild Card game would be no different.

Luis Castillo

Luis Castillo’s 2021 season can best be broken down into two parts. Part one begins on April 1 and ends on May 23. In that stretch, Castillo had a 7.61 ERA and only pitched into the 6th inning twice. He held a 1-7 record and only had one appearance that was above average. Part two of his season begins on May 29 and continues all the way until now. In that span, Castillo has been dominant. Only one appearance has been bad, an eight-run game against Cleveland. Besides that blemish, he has had 16 games of at least 5.33 innings and 14 of those have been at least 6 complete innings. With a fastball that can hit triple digits and a wipeout changeup, Castillo isn’t a bad option for the Wild Card game.

Vladimir Gutierrez

Image Courtesy of Joe Camporeale

Vladimir Gutierrez has pitched far better than almost anybody would have expected. He currently hold a 1.323 WHIP and a 4.03 ERA. He hasn’t been spectacular in every game, but he has given the Reds a chance to win in almost every start. What more can be asked of a rookie?

The main flaw for Gutierrez is experience. This is just his first season in the big leagues and he only has 17 career starts under his belt. He doesn’t fit the type to start in the Wild Card game this year, but his future is bright.

Tyler Mahle

Tyler Mahle has “ace potential” written all over him. He has been absolutely spectacular on the road this year. He is currently 10-5 with a 3.64 ERA and a 1.180 WHIP. To go along with that, he has 174 strikeouts in 148.33 innings. Mahle has been electric this year, showing up when the Reds need him the most. With his incredible performances on the road, and the Wild Card game most likely being played on the road, Mahle is a very intriguing option.

Sonny Gray

Image Courtesy of MajorUpdates.com

Sonny Gray spent part of the year hurt and got off to a bit of a rocky start when he got healthy.  But, as of late Sonny has thrown well. He is currently riding a streak of two consecutive scoreless starts. Gray is a veteran that brings a bit of playoff experience to him. Riding a hot streak, Gray would be an interesting option to make the start.

The Answer?

The answer to the question is Wade Miley.

Miley brings the postseason experience that the Reds would need in a do or die game. Miley has been the Reds most consistent pitcher all season long and it hasn’t wavered as of late. Miley only has 17 innings of postseason pitching, but his experience as a veteran would provide the Reds with what they need.

Barring any unsuspecting changes, Miley will get the ball if the Reds make the 2021 MLB Wild Card game.

Check out our MLB page for more updates!

You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Zach! 

“From Our Haus to Yours”