Previously dominant Reds bullpen takes a step back

CINCINNATI -- Amid a strong first four games this season, one of the Reds' less heralded aspects was the solid performance by their bullpen -- up and down the group. But their relievers have had a heavy workload already.

That issue surfaced on Tuesday during a 12-5 loss to the Cubs at Great American Ball Park. Cincinnati took a 3-2 lead into the top of the seventh, when right-hander Buck Farmer and left-hander Reiver Sanmartin combined to face seven batters and retired zero while allowing a six-run rally. Three more runs crossed in the eighth inning against Joel Kuhnel.

Entering the night, Reds relievers had the National League's best ERA at 1.62 through four games. Last season, the group was ranked 28th in the Major Leagues in bullpen ERA (4.72).

"A lot of those guys pitched yesterday," Reds manager David Bell said. "Really, guys are still building up and getting to the demands of the early season. They have pitched well. They've pitched quite a bit, too. It's just something we have to monitor."

One night after the bullpen recorded 15 outs during a 7-6 win over Chicago, the Reds needed a solid start from Luis Cessa and got one. While throwing 83 pitches, Cessa tossed 5 1/3 innings and allowed two earned runs and four hits, striking out two and walking three.

"I know the bullpen was used a lot yesterday. My goal is to hopefully throw six innings," Cessa said. "I was a little upset with myself [that] they took me out in the sixth with one out. I think David made a good move over there. Just keep it going and try to do my best every time I have the ball."

Viewed as second behind closer Alexis Díaz in drawing high-leverage situations, Farmer opened the seventh inning by allowing a double to Nico Hoerner that center fielder TJ Friedl just missed catching while crashing hard into the wall. Following a walk, Ian Happ hit a game-tying RBI double to left field. According to Statcast, Farmer showed decreased velocity.

Sanmartin, the club's top lefty, fared no better and opened with a walk to Cody Bellinger before a Trey Mancini RBI single gave Chicago the lead for good. Patrick Wisdom added a two-run single to center field that enlarged the gap as the game became a rout. A third reliever, Kuhnel, was needed to finish the inning.

Heading into Wednesday's rubber game, the Reds’ bullpen appears to be shorthanded.

Farmer has pitched in four of the five games played. One night after he threw 31 pitches for the victory on Monday, Fernando Cruz had to finish the game in the ninth while using another 19 pitches. Bell was staying away from using Derek Law and Alex Young on Tuesday after they both pitched in the previous two games.

The club might have to make a roster move to summon a fresh arm.

"We don't want to pitch anyone more than they're ready and capable of," Bell said. "We're going to have to figure it out tomorrow when I leave the room here."

Friedl causing chaos
For the second straight night, Friedl successfully bunted to help the team when he dropped a first-inning sacrifice to move Jonathan India to third base. His next time up in the third inning against Hayden Wesneski, Friedl slugged a 1-1 fastball for a homer to right-center field -- his second of 2023 -- that gave Cincinnati a 2-1 lead.

On Monday, Friedl reached on a bunt single to pitcher Drew Smyly and caused an error on a rushed throw to lead to a run. He also hit a triple in the same game.

"I always say bunting is a big part of my game. I’m always going to do it," Friedl said. "I wrapped around and got a good fastball and put a good swing on it [for the homer]. No matter what, my motto is to create chaos. The best way I can do that is to put the ball on the ground with my speed and make them make the play.”

Sweet catch by Benson
The defensive play of the game came on the third out in the top of the fourth inning. Eric Hosmer skied a fly ball down the left-field line in foul territory. It looked like the ball would land in the seats, but Reds left fielder Will Benson made a superb leap and reached into the crowd for the catch.

"That was probably the most incredible catch I’ve seen in person," Friedl said. "For him to time that up, leap into the wall -- he’s a big dude, but he got up."