Cincinnatti Reds Swept in Milwaukee: Bad Beginning to Important Road Trip

How we lookin'?

Not good.

The most important road trip of the year could not have started worse for the Cincinnati Reds.  They were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend at Miller Park.

The Reds dropped the opening game of the series on Friday 3-2, despite a good outing by starting pitcher Johnny Cueto.  Other than a two-run home run by Ramon Hernandez, the Reds offense could do very little against Braden Looper and the Milwaukee bullpen.

On Saturday, Aaron Harang was rocked for eight runs in 4 1/3 innings as the Reds lost 9-5.  Brandon Phillips returned to the lineup despite his fractured thumb and homered.  Chris Dickerson had three hits.

Yesterday was the culmination of a frustrating weekend.  Micah Owings started and lost, giving up five runs in 5 2/3 innings as his record slipped to 3-6.  The Reds did have plenty of chances, but could not sustain any rallies against Yovani Gallardo.  Cincinnati was 3-16 with runners in scoring position, leaving 11 runners on base.

Brandon Phillips had two hits yesterday, including his second homerun in as many days.  Phillips, already an essential member of this team, is going to be needed to play well even more now with the loss of Joey Votto.

Votto left the game on Friday with another bout of dizziness.  It was the third time since May 12 that Votto has had to exit a ballgame early because of the ailment thought to be brought on by an inner-ear infection.

It now seems that there is more to the situation than originally thought.  Votto has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a personal issue.  The Reds recalled Wilkin Castillo from Triple-A Louisville to take Votto's roster spot.

Castillo provides the Reds with versatility.  While not a first baseman, Castillo can play the other infield positions as well as outfield and catcher. 

It looks as if Ramon Hernandez and Adam Rosales will play first base for now.  Ryan Hanigan should start behind the plate when Hernandez plays first.  Castillo would then serve as the emergency catcher.

Losing three games to a division rival is disappointing, but losing your best player for an undetermined amount of time is demoralizing.  The Reds need to pull together as they now travel to St. Louis for four games and then return home for three against the Chicago Cubs.

Edinson Volquez (4-2) will return from the disabled list tonight to face the Cardinals.  He will be opposed by Todd Wellemeyer (5-4).  The Reds need Volquez, a 17-game winner last year, to come up big tonight and put a stop to the losing streak.