Giants vs. Reds: Lineups, News, and Notes

By: Ben Leonard
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Monday night, the San Francisco Giants (75-68) will take on the Cincinnati Reds (60-82) to open up a quick two-game series between the two clubs at AT&T Park.

7.5 games back and desperate for wins, the Giants can’t lose very many games if they want to catch up to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West — but they’re sending a guy to the hill who has gotten a lot of them over his storied 20-year career: Tim Hudson.

In what very well could be his last career start, the 40-year old Hudson (7-8, 4.51) looks to help the Giants, coming off a sweep of the Padres, continue their recent winning ways. In his last start, the veteran right-hander went six strong innings, giving up just one run and hitting a home run himself.

Over Hudson’s last four appearances (2 GS), he has posted a 2.70 ERA — and has enjoyed recent success against Cincinnati. Over his last four starts against the Reds, Hudson has dealt to the tune of a 2.48 ERA.

The Reds counter with right-hander Keyvius Sampson (2-4, 6.94), who is making just his tenth Major League appearance for a rebuilding squad. A 2009 fourth-round pick by the San Diego Padres, Sampson has never faced the Giants.

The Giants’ pitching staff will have to face MVP candidate Joey Votto, who has been red-hot (Pun intended) since the All-Star Break. Currently, his .561 OBP since the break has been the eighth highest in Major League history, behind five Barry Bonds and two Ted Williams seasons. Pretty nice company.

The Giants’ offense has also been red-hot as of late, outscoring the Padres 27-4 over the weekend, fueled by a lineup that hit .340, including .400 with RISP.

They’ve been doing it even without five key regulars, including Joe Panik, who received an MRI on his back and is unlikely to play again this season. The same might be true for Hunter Pence, who took dry swings today but might be shut down given the Giants’ place in the standings. There was better news regarding Brandon Crawford, who is nearing a return after fielding grounders and hitting in the cage.

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