Boxscore

I wanted to write a game wrap for this afternoon’s tonight’s rain-delayed game, but there are really only two things to say about it.

• Joey Votto is awesome. Totally awesome.
• His awesomeness kept Dusty Baker off the managerial hot seat for one more day.

Boxscore

For Joey Votto bobble head night, we watched the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals from the comfortable confines of the Champions Club.

In this episode of the podcast, we review the abundant food selections in the Club, as well as discuss the recent trip to the disabled list by Scott Rolen.

The continued frustrating play of the Reds warranted a mention or two, as well, thanks to the Reds managing to score just one run during the game.

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The big news before yesterday’s Cincinnati Reds game was the third baseman Scott Rolen was experiencing pain in his shoulder again.

“[Rolen] called me today and said it was barking,” [trainer Paul] Lessard said. ”That’s why we called Doc (Tim Kremchek) to come in and take a look at him. We took a quick look at him, and there’s nothing really specific right now. It’s kind of sore all over.”

After that examination, Rolen was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

“I’m hurting,” Rolen said. “I’m in pain. I’m not healthy right now. As much as I want to help the team, I’m hurting the team.”

I feel for Rolen. In his time with the Reds, when he’s been healthy, he’s been an invaluable addition to the roster. Unfortunately, age and injury are catching up with the 37-year-old athlete.

After 4 surgical procedures on that shoulder–the most recent one in August of 2011–it’s not crazy to wonder if this is the end of Rolen’s career. That’s possible, but only time will tell. For now, Rolen’s going to rest his shoulder for 2+ weeks. If the pain subsides and the inflammation dies down, hopefully he can come back and swing a productive bat again. He was hitting well as recently as Spring Training.

Until then, manager Dusty Baker’s conundrum of how to treat an under-performing veteran in the face of an over-performing rookie has been solved. Todd Frazier is likely to get a lot of starts at 3rd in Rolen’s absence. He’s well-positioned to make the most of it.

Tonight’s Cincinnati Reds’ game against the Washington Nationals will feature a 2012 Joey Votto bobblehead doll giveaway. Or as I’ve taken to calling it, the Vottohead doll.

The RHM crew will be there to get ours. Somehow, there are still some tickets left. I’d expect it to sell out. But arrive early. Only 25,000 will be given away.

Boxscore

Last night was the first #RedsTweetup game for the Cincinnati Reds, but the Reds lost badly to the Washington Nationals. I’m not sure what the Reds’ record is for these tweetup events, but I don’t remember the team winning either of the two I attended last year. Last nights’ loss could be seen coming from a mile away, though.

Mike Leake was the starter for the Reds, and the fact that he didn’t allow 6 runs in the first inning surprised me. He pitched horribly, allowing just 3 and getting lucky that some hard-hit balls just missed leaving the park. Leake did the reverse of a quality start, allowing 6 runs in 3 innings instead of 3 runs in 6. He allowed a run in each of his innings.

After that, the game was pretty much over. Six runs is hard to come back from, especially when the bullpen allowed a 7th run in the 4th.

The offense did threaten to make the game interesting. They loaded the bases twice. In the fifth inning, both Jay Bruce and Scott Rolen failed to deliver. And in the 8th, pinch-hitter Chris Heisey popped out.

The team has lost the opening game to this series against a team that has dominated them so far this season. Mike Leake and Scott Rolen continue to struggle mightily. Leake with his 7.11 ERA and Rolen with his .174 average. If neither improves within the next week or two, expect a change for both of them.

The second game of the series is tonight at 7:10pm EDT. Mat Latos goes against Jordan Zimmerman for Joey Votto Bobblehead night.