Dodgers vs. Reds: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds & Injury Reports
The Los Angeles Dodgers visit Cincinnati on Monday night looking to extend their commanding lead in the NL West, while the Reds hope Eugenio Suárez’s surging bat can spark a home contest at Great American Ball Park. The Dodgers enter the matchup with a 90-59 record and a first-place grip on the division, but their roster is riddled with injuries. Cincinnati, sitting at 70-79 and trailing in the NL Central, will counter with rookie left-hander Nick Lodolo on the mound. Here’s everything you need to know heading into this Dodgers vs. Reds showdown.
How to Watch Dodgers vs. Reds
The game begins at 6:40 p.m. ET on Monday at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Fans can typically catch the action through regional sports networks or league-outside broadcast platforms, with streaming available through services like MLB.TV, ESPN+, or your preferred cable provider’s streaming app. Check local listings for exact channel assignments, as national TV coverage is not currently announced for this matchup.
Dodgers vs. Reds Betting Odds
The Los Angeles Dodgers are heavy favorites at home against a Reds squad fighting to stay relevant in the NL Central pennant race. The moneyline reflects the significant talent and roster depth advantage Los Angeles holds, even with multiple key players on the injured list.
| Bet Category | Line |
|---|---|
| Favorite Moneyline | Dodgers -222 |
| Underdog Moneyline | Reds +180 |
| Total (Over/Under) | 7.5 |
| Total Over Odds | -110 |
| Total Under Odds | -110 |
The total of 7.5 suggests oddsmakers expect a moderately-paced game with enough run production from both lineups but not a shootout. The -110 juice on both sides of the over/under keeps the market balanced.
Injury Reports
Both teams are dealing with significant injury absences heading into Monday night. The Dodgers, in particular, are missing several key contributors, which could open the door for the Reds to keep the game competitive despite being underdogs.
Dodgers Injury Report
The Dodgers’ injury list is extensive. Among position players, Dalton Rushing is on the 10-day IL with an elbow issue, Andy Pages is sidelined with a hand injury, and superstar Shohei Ohtani is on the 15-day IL with a biceps problem. Pitchers Roki Sasaki (finger, 15-day IL) and Edwin Díaz (neck, 15-day IL) are also unavailable. The six-day and long-term list includes Gavin Stone (shoulder, 60-day IL), Jake Cousins (elbow, 60-day IL), Eric Lauer (elbow, 60-day IL), Brusdar Graterol (shoulder, 60-day IL), Kris Bubic (elbow, 60-day IL), Will Klein (elbow, 60-day IL), and Ben Casparius (shoulder, 60-day IL).
Reds Injury Report
Cincinnati’s injury situation is less severe but still impactful. Spencer Steer is on the 10-day IL with a wrist issue, while Hunter Greene (elbow, 60-day IL), Mike Toglia (shoulder, 60-day IL), and Blake Dunn (elbow, 60-day IL) are on the extended injured list.
Stats to Know
Understanding the key performers on each roster helps frame how this game might unfold. Both lineups feature impactful bats, even with the Dodgers’ injury-depleted roster.
- Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles): The first baseman continues to produce at an elite level, with 16 home runs this season, 66 RBIs, and 72 runs scored. In 609 plate appearances, he is hitting .293 with a .371 OBP and .447 SLG, posting a 10.7% walk rate and a 16.9% strikeout rate.
- Kyle Tucker (Los Angeles): Tucker has compiled a .226/.323/.369 slash line across 576 plate appearances, adding 14 home runs and 65 RBIs. His 17.5% strikeout rate is balanced by a 12.3% walk rate, and he has stolen 10 bases on 10 attempts while scoring 79 times.
- Sal Stewart (Cincinnati): The rising Reds talent is putting up remarkable numbers, slashing .270/.340/.476 with 31 home runs (11th in MLB) and 106 RBIs (2nd in MLB) over 645 plate appearances. His 82 runs scored and 15 stolen bases on 20 attempts make him one of the most dynamic young players in the game, with an OPS of .816.
- Elly De La Cruz (Cincinnati): De La Cruz is having a breakout season with 26 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 91 runs scored (15th in MLB) across 581 plate appearances. Batting .284/.361/.510, he brings switch-hitting threat and speed with 25 stolen bases on 33 attempts.
Pitching Matchup: Skubal vs. Lodolo
Tarik Skubal takes the ball for Los Angeles with a 9-7 record and a strong 2.84 ERA this season. The Dodgers ace has been one of the most dependable arms in the National League, and his ability to limit damage will be critical against a Cincinnati lineup featuring several dangerous left-handed hitters.
On the other side, rookie left-hander Nick Lodolo (3-4, 5.12 ERA) is expected to start for Cincinnati. Lodolo has shown flashes of his potential throughout his young career, but his ERA suggests he has been prone to leaving runs on the board. Lodolo’s ability to execute his curveball and slider down-and-away will likely determine whether the Reds can keep the game close against a stacked Dodgers lineup.
Why This Game Matters
The Dodgers are chasing another postseason berth, and every win moves them closer to securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. At 90-59, they sit comfortably atop the NL West with a significant lead, but the team remains focused on maintaining momentum — especially with so many first-line players banged up.
For the Reds, the stakes are different but no less meaningful. At 70-79 and fifth in the NL Central, Cincinnati is effectively out of the division race, but they may still be fighting for a wild-card spot or simply building toward the future. Young players like Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz are gaining invaluable experience against elite competition, and Eugenio Suárez’s hot bat — riding a two-game home run streak into Monday — gives the home crowd a reason to be optimistic.
The Dodgers’ injury situation creates an unusual dynamic: while Los Angeles remains the clear favorite at -222 on the moneyline, the absence of Ohtani, Díaz, Sasaki, and several other key contributors could narrow the gap more than the odds suggest. If Lodolo can find his rhythm early and the Reds’ bats stay hot, this could be more competitive than the lines indicate.
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
Photo: Jamie Squire, Ishika Samant, Scott Taetsch, Alika Jenner / Getty Images
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