The Cincinnati Reds' series opener against the Washington Nationals was delayed Friday night because of inclement weather, with the start later updated to around 7:45 p.m. ET. The game was set to be a bullpen game for the Reds, so the delay added a little more uncertainty to a pitching plan that was already flexible.
Chase Petty was scheduled to make his third start of the season and the fifth big league career start of his young career. The Reds recalled him from Triple-A Louisville earlier in the week, and Friday offered another chance for the right-hander to build on a growing workload at the Major League level.
Petty last started on May 23 against the Cardinals, when he allowed four runs on six hits over five innings. That outing came after a run of 13 relief appearances, and he entered Friday with a 3.72 ERA in 13 relief appearances and two starts this season.
Nationals counter with Cade Cavalli
Washington was set to start Cade Cavalli, who made his Major League debut and first career start against the Reds in 2022. His most recent outing came on August 2 against the Braves, when he allowed two runs on six hits over six innings in a 4-2 loss.
The Reds have been strong in close games this season, going 33-19 in games decided by two runs or fewer. That does not change the fact that a delay can affect how a bullpen game is managed, especially when both teams are still adjusting to the weather and the revised start time.
For fans checking the Reds Game Today schedule, the key update was simple: the opener was pushed back, but it remained on track to begin around 7:45 p.m. ET once conditions improved.
