Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Levi Stoudt has a reputation as a fearless strike thrower. He doesn’t have the most overpowering fastball or the most devastating slider in the organization, but the Reds traded for him last summer because they saw a pitcher who locates pitches and understands his strengths.
Stoudt, the Reds’ No. 14 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, made his MLB debut on Wednesday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays. He threw a lot of strikes against the best offense in baseball. But the Rays hit those pitches very hard and spoiled Stoudt’s debut.
The Rays beat the Reds, 8-0, in the series finale in front of 10,205 fans, and Stoudt allowed seven runs in four innings.