Max Meyer, the third overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, showcased his potential with a career-high 14 strikeouts against the Cincinnati Reds in a stellar performance on Monday. Pitching for the Miami Marlins, Meyer allowed only five hits over six innings, significantly improving his season's 2.63 ERA. This outing marked a significant turnaround after a difficult 2023 season, where he missed the entire year due to Tommy John surgery. Analysts have noted Meyer’s ability to command the game, effectively mixing his pitches and avoiding mistakes. His previous matchup against the Reds earlier this season saw him struggle, but this time, he demonstrated the talent that made him a top draft pick.

The Cincinnati Reds showcased their pitching prowess again as they secured a 1-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants, marking their first series win of the season. The game was highlighted by a stellar performance from starter Nick Lodolo, who pitched six shutout innings, striking out three batters and allowing only three hits. The decisive run came in the third inning, driven in by a groundout from Jose Trevino, scoring Spencer Steer, who had doubled earlier in the inning.

Graham Ashcraft and Emilio Pagan closed out the game, with Pagan earning his second save of the season. The Reds' defense was also crucial in preserving the lead, exemplified by Jake Fraley's impressive sliding catch that averted a potential game-tying hit from Heliot Ramos. Despite some threats from the Giants, including Casey Schmitt's pair of hits, the Reds held strong to secure the win and set their sights on a series sweep.

The Cincinnati Reds concluded their 2025 spring training with an emphatic 13-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, showcasing their strong offensive capabilities. Key contributor Elly De La Cruz finished the spring with a remarkable .409 batting average, complemented by four home runs and significant base-stealing prowess. Nick Lodolo, the Reds' No. 2 starter, delivered a dominant performance against the Guardians, completing six innings while striking out seven and yielding only three hits. Manager Terry Francona expressed satisfaction with the team's preparation going into the regular season.

Approaching your fantasy baseball draft requires a careful evaluation of starting pitchers, particularly focusing on their underlying metrics such as whiff and strikeout percentages. Healthy pitchers who can avoid 'stressful' pitches tend to perform better, contributing to their teams deeper into games, thereby accumulating more points and strikeouts while minimizing earned run averages. Targeting pitchers with strong K/9 ratios and favorable profiles is essential, especially given the persistent injury risks in recent years.

Among notable targets, Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds offers a promising profile with a robust career K/9 of 10.67. After a limited 2023 season due to injuries, he’s bounced back in spring training, showing signs of his potential with a 1.88 ERA in 24 innings. Likewise, Jesus Luzardo, now with the Philadelphia Phillies, boasts elite strikeout potential despite a rough previous season, while Justin Steele from the Cubs, despite injury setbacks, continues to demonstrate impressive metrics. Finally, Spencer Schwellenbach, the Atlanta Braves' rising star, finished his rookie year with a commendable 3.35 ERA, making him a worthy late draft pick.