The All-Star reserves were announced a little over 24 hours ago and there were several big name pitchers left off the National League roster. One of those names was Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto. To prove his worth and strengthen his campaign in the fan vote for the final spot, Cueto outdueled All-Star Max Scherzer and shutout the Washington Nationals 5-0.

With the Reds under .500 and seemingly falling out of playoff contention, the Reds could become a team that is in sell mode as the trade deadline is a little over three weeks away. So tonight’s game made you wonder, “Could be this Johnny Cueto’s last start as a Cincinnati Red?”

If that’s the case then he went out with a bang throwing a complete game shutout allowing only two hits while striking out 11 batters. What makes this outing even more impressive was the fact he went up against potential All-Star starter Max Scherzer and the NL East leading Washington Nationals. This was Cueto’s fifth career shutout and he ended the game retiring the final 15 batters in order.

“He was making a statement, man,” Reds catcher Brayan Pena said postgame. “He was showing everybody that he’s one of the best pitchers in the National League and the big leagues in general. The fact that he came out here, against a great pitcher and a great team, throwing a complete game shutout is saying something.”

Johnny Cueto looked like an All-Star but you couldn’t say the same for Scherzer, who had by far his worst outing as a Washington National. The hard-throwing right-hander lasted only 4.2 innings allowing five runs on seven hits and struck out only four batters. This was Scherzer’s shortest outing since June 17th of last year.

Scherzer said this postgame, “I’ve had stinkers before. It’s just part of the deal. I don’t get fazed by them anymore.”

Another Red who will potentially be absent at the All-Star Game in their home park in Cincinnati is first baseman Joey Votto. Well tonight he was a one man wrecking crew as he finished the game 3-for-5 with three RBIs. Votto jumped on Scherzer early as he doubled to deep right to drive in Brandon Phillips giving the Reds a 1-0 lead. Jay Bruce would triple later in the first to drive in Votto and make it 2-0.

Joey Votto wasn’t satisfied as he took Scherzer deep to right field for a solo home run making it 3-0. After Billy Hamilton doubled and Brandon Phillips was hit by a pitch, Votto would single home Hamilton to further the damage. Todd Frazier followed it up with sac-fly making it 5-0. Jay Bruce singled to right field the next at-bat ending Scherzer’s night.

That would prove to be more than enough offense as Johnny Cueto was “en fuego” Tuesday night. Cincinnati will look to sweep the season series from the Nationals on Wednesday night.