Keyvius Sampson has spent time with the Cincinnati Reds twice this season. He began the year with the team, appearing in two games, allowing four runs in 3.0 innings with four walks, three strikeouts and two homers allowed. The right hander was then sent to Louisville for the next month. He performed extremely well over those 19.2 innings, splitting time in the bullpen and the rotation. He posted a 1.37 ERA with five walks and 20 strikeouts in that span and got another call to the big leagues.
It was just another two game call up for Keyvius Sampson, and he allowed two runs in 4.0 innings with three walks and three strikeouts, allowing one home run. He’s been back with the Louisville Bats for the last month. His first outing was tough, giving up three runs in 0.2 innings. Since then things have gone much better as he’s moved back into the rotation full time. In six starts he’s tossed 36.1 innings with a 1.73 ERA, just 13 walks and he’s struck out 37 batters. He’s also allowed just two home runs in that span, while holing batters to a .152 average. It may be time to give him another look at the big league bullpen.
Speaking of the big league bullpen, Michael Lorenzen made his 2016 debut last night for the Reds. I wasn’t watching, and looking at the box score he allowed two runs on a homer. As a whole, the return wasn’t a successful one, but looking at his velocity chart this morning it’s real nice to see that he averaged 99.4 MPH on his fastball, and 89 MPH on his slider. Velocity isn’t everything, but it helps and it’s nice to see him sitting at elite levels – especially after dealing with an elbow injury.
The Arizona League Reds have played just four games so far this season, building up a 3-1 record. 20-year-old Michael Beltre has had about as good of a start to the season as you can possibly have. He’s racked up multiple hits in all four games, going 9-18 on the season with two doubles, three triples, a stolen base, five runs, three RBI and a walk. He is currently sporting a 1.494 OPS.
In the Arizona League Reds game last night the team used five pitchers. Four of those pitchers didn’t give up a hit, combining for 7.1 hitless innings. The second pitcher of the night, Miguel Aguilar, allowed six hits. Strange night on the road against the Royals.