Bryce Harper poked fun at himself for throwing the ball around the horn with a runner on base

Even the greats like Bryce Harper make a mistake every now and again.

Philadelphia Phillies star outfielder Bryce Harper had to poke a little fun at himself on Tuesday night after throwing the ball around the horn with a runner on base.

While he was making a play in the outfield as his Phillies played the Cincinnati Reds, Harper threw the ball to first base to get the Cincinnati runner out instead of throwing it to third, where a baserunner was headed there from second.

In this situation, the outfielder wants to throw the ball to get the player out who is closest to making it home and let the batter who just got the hit make it to first since he’s further away from scoring.

Well, Harper threw it in the wrong direction, netting the out but letting the Reds player get closer to a possible run. The Phillies got an out on the next at-bat, so it was all water under the bridge.

However, Harper made fun of himself a little when asked about the play by the game’s broadcasters.

Harper is one of the game’s best players, but he’s also human and clearly has an amicable sense of humor about moments like this.

While this would’ve been incredibly costly in, say, a playoff elimination game, it’s just a funny whoops this early in the season. Good for Harper for being able to make light of a moment that you don’t see every day.

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Best bets: 2024 Cincinnati Reds World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 Cincinnati Reds World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The Cincinnati Reds exceeded expectations last season but still fell short of a postseason appearance. They finished 82-80, ending with a better road record (44-37) than at Great American Ball Park (38-43). They placed 3rd in the NL Central, 10 games behind the division champion Milwaukee Brewers.

The Reds have rising superstar SS Elly De La Cruz entering his 2nd season, so hopes will be high for this Cincinnati team. The Reds did part ways with long-time 1B Joey Votto (who signed a minor-league deal with Toronto) and top prospect 3B Noelvi Marte was hit with an 80-game suspension and will be ineligible for the postseason suspension for a performance enhancing drug violation.

Let’s analyze the Cincinnati Reds’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

Cincinnati Reds World Series odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, March 19 at 6:47 a.m. ET.

Odds: +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000)

Cincinnati is tied for the 16th shortest odds to win it all. The Los Angeles Dodgers (+320) are the favorites, followed by the Atlanta Braves (+450), Houston Astros (+700) and New York Yankees (+900).

At +5000, Cincinnati has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 2% or 50/1 fractional odds. The improvements that could be due from a strong young core, especially in the Reds rotation, could present good value here.

The Oakland A’s and Colorado Rockies are tied for the longest odds at +50000. BACKING THE REDS (+5000) to win the World Series for a 50-to-1 payoff is worth a small wager.

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Cincinnati Reds playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +134 | No -172

The Reds may have hit some turbulence prior to the season with the Marte suspension, but they still have a solid roster behind De La Cruz and IF/OF Jonathan India, the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year. India is being moved out of his normal position by 2B Matt McLain, who was the 17th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. There’s hope in Cincinnati that McLain can be even better after notching 106 hits in 365 ABs for a team-best .290 batting average in 2023.

If the pitching staff, who MLB.com’s David Adler called a dark-horse rotation, steps up, this team can make a run to the postseason.

BET REDS TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS (+134).

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Cincinnati Reds win total

Over/Under: 82.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Over the last several seasons, the Reds’ pain point has been the rotation, but pitchers like LHP Andrew Abbott and RHP Hunter Greene could be ready to explode. Plus, Cincinnati added veterans RHP Nick Martinez and RHP Frankie Montas to bring in some consistency — Montas has been tabbed as the Opening Day starter.

The Reds are an improved team in a winnable division, but they have had solid teams before and have won more than 82 games in just 1 season since 2014 — and they only won 83 games that season (2021). For these odds, taking them to win the division provides better value.

Ultimalty, PASS here.

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To win NL Central Division

  • St. Louis Cardinals +160 (bet $100 to win $160)
  • Chicago Cubs +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
  • Cincinnati Reds +350 (bet $100 to win $350)
  • Milwaukee Brewers +700 (bet $100 to win $700)
  • Pittsburgh Pirates +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)

Cincinnati’s implied probability of winning the NL Central is 22.22% or 7/2 fractional odds. The Cardinals and Cubs are the only threats here. If the Reds can bring together the pitching, and players like Abbott and McLain can avoid sophomore slumps, there’s no reason to believe they couldn’t make a run down the stretch.

The Reds finished 10 games behind the Brewers last season but had a shot before Milwaukee finished 26-13. The Brewers have regressed, and this division could be wide open. Cincinnati is worth a play here.

BACK REDS (+350) TO WIN THE NL CENTRAL.

To win National League

Odds: +2300 (bet $100 to win $2,300)

The Reds are a solid team, and as we’ve prefaced, they have several stars that could get going and help them contend for both the division and the NL pennant.

Regardless, the NL will be difficult to win, especially with teams like Philadelphia (+800), Atlanta (+250) and Los Angeles (+165) in the mix, the latter 2 of which are the top favorites to win the World Series.

While the Reds’ odds are enticing, ultimately, this one isn’t worth a play. PASS.

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Fans had jokes after Elly De La Cruz fouled off a Hunter Greene pitch right into Hunter Greene’s Maybach

Parking a $200K car near a baseball field is a BOLD choice.

Whenever someone decides to park at a baseball field, they’re making a calculated risk. Do they want to settle for the most convenient spot and risk being in range of a baseball or do they want to park far away in relative safety?

We know what Hunter Greene chose on Tuesday, and let me tell ya — he absolutely regretted that decision.

As the Reds pitcher was throwing some live BP to Elly De La Cruz, Greene’s pitch was fouled back and out of play at one of the back fields in Goodyear, Ariz. It seemed harmless enough, but that foul ball could not have landed at a more unfortunate spot for Greene.

It smashed the window of his Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV. Depending on how that car is spec’d, it can go for well over $200,000.

Greene — who is on a six-year, $53 million deal — apparently told Elly that he was paying for it. The Reds infielder pointed out that Greene makes more than him (plus, insurance will probably cover that one). And let’s be honest, if you’re parking a Maybach within striking distance of a baseball field, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Fans, though, had plenty of jokes for the smashed window. Of all the cars for Elly to hit, it had to be Greene’s. Unreal.

Fans paid tribute to Joey Votto as his 17-year run with the Cincinnati Reds officially ended

After 17 years, Joey Votto is no longer with the Cincinnati Reds.

Perhaps the greatest baseball player to ever wear a Cincinnati Reds uniform might be headed elsewhere next season.

Barring him being re-signed by the team, the Reds announced on Saturday that they will decline the club option on first baseman Joey Votto to send him into free agency.

Votto has played all of his 17 years in the MLB with Cincinnati since entering the league in 2007, and he has been selected to six MLB All-Star games while playing for the Reds.

He also earned the National League’s MVP honor and Hank Aaron Award in 2010 and a Golden Glove award in 2011.

Now, the 40-year-old veteran will be available to sign with a new team should he choose to continue his career.

Baseball fans, particularly those with a rooting interest for the Reds, were devastated to see Votto’s time in Cincinnati end like this.

There were also plenty of good vibes sent Votto’s way, from those confirming his clear Hall of Fame credentials to those who wish for him to get a chance at a World Series before retirement with a new team.

Nick Senzel, Reds defeat Cardinals, 19-2

Former Vol Nick Senzel and Cincinnati defeat the Cardinals, 19-2.

Cincinnati defeated St. Louis, 19-2, Friday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.

Former Vol Nick Senzel entered the game as a pinch hitter and remained in the contest in right field. He was 1-for-2 and scored one run. The contest was Senzel’s first appearance for the Reds since Sept. 24.

Senzel was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2016 Major League Baseball draft. He played at Tennessee from 2014-16 and was an All-America standout and an All-Southeastern Conference performer.

Senzel came to the Vols from Farragut High School in Farragut, Tennessee.

Cincinnati will next play Saturday at St. Louis. First pitch is slated for 7:15 p.m. EDT at Busch Stadium.

Nick Senzel records two hits against Detroit

Former Vol Nick Senzel records two hits against Detroit.

Cincinnati defeated Detroit, 6-5, Tuesday at Comerica Park in Detroit Michigan.

Former Vol Nick Senzel started at second base for the Reds. Senzel was 2-for-3 and recorded one double, his tenth of the season.

Senzel was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2016 Major League Baseball draft. He played at Tennessee from 2014-16 and was an All-America standout and an All-Southeastern Conference performer.

Senzel came to the Vols from Farragut High School in Farragut, Tennessee.

Former Vol Andre Lipcius did not play for the Tigers.

Cincinnati will next play Wednesday, concluding a three-game series against the Tigers. First pitch is slated for 6:40 p.m. EDT.

Nick Senzel records one hit versus Mariners

Former Vol Nick Senzel records one hit versus the Mariners.

Cincinnati defeated Seattle, 6-3, Monday at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Former Vol Nick Senzel was 1-for-2 for the Reds. He entered the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and remained in the contest as a designated hitter.

Senzel was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2016 Major League Baseball draft. He played at Tennessee from 2014-16 and was an All-America standout and an All-Southeastern Conference performer.

Senzel came to the Vols from Farragut High School in Farragut, Tennessee.

Cincinnati will next play Tuesday versus the Mariners. First pitch is slated for 6:40 p.m. EDT at Great American Ball Park.

Yan Gomes records one hit against Reds

Former Vol Yan Gomes records one hit against the Reds.

Cincinnati defeated the Cubs, 2-1, Saturday at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Former Vol Yan Gomes started at catcher for Chicago. He was 1-for-4 in the game against the Reds.

Gomes played at Tennessee from 2007-08 before transferring to Barry University.

He won the World Series with the Nationals in 2019. The former Vol was an American League All-Star with Cleveland. Gomes won a Silver Slugger Award while playing for Cleveland in 2014.

Former Vol Nick Senzel did not play for Cincinnati.

Chicago and the Reds will next play Saturday, concluding a four-game series.

First pitch is slated for 12:10 p.m. EDT at Great American Ball Park.

Two former Vols play in Cubs-Reds doubleheader

Two former Vols play in the Cubs-Reds doubleheader on Friday.

Cincinnati and the Cubs split a doubleheader Friday at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Chicago won game No. 1, 6-2, and the Reds were victorious in game No. 2, 3-2.

Former Vol Nick Senzel started the first game at third base for Cincinnati and  was 1-for-2. He scored one run.

Senzel did not play in game No. 2.

The former Vol played at Tennessee from 2014-16, earning All-America and All-Southeastern Conference honors.

Senzel was the No. 2 overall selection by the Reds in the 2016 MLB draft.

Former Vol Yan Gomes did not play for the Cubs in Game No. 1. He did start at catcher for Chicago in the second game. He was 0-for-4.

Gomes played at Tennessee from 2007-08 before transferring to Barry University.

He won the World Series with the Nationals in 2019 and was an American League All-Star and a Silver Slugger Award winner while playing for Cleveland.

The Reds and Cubs will next play Saturday. First pitch is slated for 6:40 p.m. EDT at Great American Ball Park.