The Reds’ return to baseball on Opening Day brings with it a lot of excitement, but the following day could be the worst of the season. The Reds take a day off on the first day of the regular season almost annually. That makes some sense, to be sure. In baseball, Opening Day is a huge event, but in Cincinnati, things are a little different. This is the nation’s only event of its kind. Nobody else is commemorating the beginning of the season with anything resembling a parade.
In the event that inclement weather prevents anything from happening on Opening Day, the day off is meant to allow ticket holders to still attend.
Reds fans had a fantastic day yesterday. Nick Martini scored five runs and blasted two home homers. One of their major offseason additions, Frankie Montas, made his organizational debut with six innings of shutout ball. By the time the fourth inning came and went, there was no sense that the game was in doubt.
After the victory, the city, the team, and the supporters were all overjoyed. And now they all do nothing but wait around. The next time the group takes to the field is on Saturday afternoon. The toughest day of the season is today. Although some may contend that the season’s last day is the worst, there are years when you are just relieved it’s over since you had to witness 100 loses. In some years, though, you’re relieved it’s over since the playoffs are almost here and you witnessed 100 wins. But each year, the Friday following Opening Day is awful as there is no baseball.
If the Reds had lost yesterday, of course, today could be even worse. They lead the division after victories on Opening Day, along with the Pirates. The Cubs and Cardinals both dropped their games and sit in last place, while Milwaukee was rained out in New York. Typing that is always enjoyable.
But there is still some Reds-related baseball played today. Today is the start of the Triple-A season. Tonight at 7:15 p.m. ET, the Louisville Bats will host Indianapolis, a Pirates affiliate. You also receive MiLB.tv if you have MLB.tv. That may be an option for you if you’re seeking for something to watch tonight.
Sam Moll will report to Louisville for his rehab assignment tonight. The Reds do not have to decide on him for up to 30 days while he is on a rehab assignment. Since the winter, when he was going through his throwing program, Moll has been battling with some shoulder stiffness. He pitched again in spring training on March 18 and then again on March 21, but he didn’t appear again because the team left Arizona after their game on March 24.