ST. LOUIS – When Cincinnati Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson tries to find solutions for struggling pitchers, he says he takes it personally, too.
One year after the Reds rode their pitching staff to the postseason, ending a seven-year playoff drought, the Reds have the highest ERA (5.04) in Major League Baseball. The bullpen has a league-high ERA (5.71) and issued the second-most walks (118).
“Every time they go out and struggle, I’m wearing it right along with them – maybe not to the degree they are,” Johnson said before Thursday’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.