MLB Playoffs 2012: Mike Leake to Start Game 4 of NLDS for Reds

According to ESPN's Bob Holtzman, the Cincinnati Reds will be starting Mike Leake in Game 4 of the NLDS today against the San Francisco Giants.

Cueto was ruled out as the starter today. With Leake now slated to start for the Reds, Cueto will likely be sent to the disabled list.

Unfortunately for Reds Nation, this means that Cueto becomes unavailable for the team in the NLCS should they advance today or tomorrow.

Whether or not Cueto is actually sent to the DL is yet to be seen, but the fact of the matter is that somebody (most likely a pitcher) has to be removed from the series roster.

Last night's error by Scott Rolen, and missed opportunity for a sweep, now play a much larger role in the World Series aspirations the Reds held.

Losing Cueto for the entire NLCS would require a huge team effort to get by the likes of the St. Louis Cardinals or Washington Nationals.

In any event, it appears Leake will make his postseason debut today against the Barry Zito.

Neither of the two have been very impressive, but Leake' 8-9 record, 4.58 ERA and 1.35 WHIP hardly do anything to instill confidence in Reds fans who may be beginning to worry about the playoff future of a team thought to be a serious contender.