MLB Game Preview: Cincinnati Reds (6-3) vs. Miami Marlins (6-3)

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Miami Marlins logo

First Pitch: 3:40 PM ET
Venue: loanDepot park, Miami, Florida
Weather: Indoor ballpark; outside temperature ~79°F, but roof eliminates weather impact.

Injury Report

Cincinnati Reds

Alex Young (RP) — OUT, Apr 6

Josh Staumont (RP) — 7‑Day IL, Apr 8

Caleb Ferguson (RP) — 15‑Day IL, Apr 10

Nick Lodolo (SP) — 15‑Day IL, Apr 18

Connor Burns (C) — 60‑Day IL, Jun 1

Miami Marlins

Christopher Morel (LF) — 10‑Day IL, Apr 6

Thomas White (SP) — 7‑Day IL, Apr 8

Maximo Acosta (SS) — 10‑Day IL, Apr 10

Kyle Stowers (LF) — 10‑Day IL, Apr 20

Esteury Ruiz (LF) — 10‑Day IL, May 15

Probable Pitching Matchup

Cincinnati — Brandon Williamson (LHP)

0–1, 11.57 ERA, 1.71 WHIP

4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 HR allowed, 3 K, 2 BB

Williamson struggled in his first outing, giving up three home runs and failing to command the zone consistently.

Miami — Janson Junk (RHP)

0–0, 4.15 ERA, 1.38 WHIP

4.1 IP, 5 H, 5 K, 1 BB, 0 HR allowed

Junk showed solid control and avoided hard contact, though his sample size remains small.

Team Records & Recent Form

Cincinnati Reds (6–3)

Last 5: W 2–1, W 2–0, W 5–3, L 8–3, L 8–3

Team Stats:

AVG: .209

Runs: 26

Hits: 63

HR: 9

OBP: .293

SLG: .332

ERA: 3.25

WHIP: 1.24

OBA: .217

Cincinnati enters on a three‑game winning streak, powered by strong pitching.

Miami Marlins (6–3)

Last 5: W 7–6, L 9–7, L 8–2, W 10–0, W 9–2

Team Stats:

AVG: .276

Runs: 49

Hits: 82

HR: 8

OBP: .352

SLG: .441

ERA: 4.10

WHIP: 1.19

OBA: .190

Miami’s offense has been explosive, averaging 9.5 runs per game in their last two wins.

Key Player Matchups

Elly De La Cruz (CIN) vs. Marlins Pitching

3 HR, .243 AVG, 5 RBI

His power/speed combo is Cincinnati’s biggest threat, especially against a contact‑oriented pitcher like Junk.

Liam Hicks (MIA) vs. Reds Pitching

3 HR, 12 RBI, .333 AVG

Hicks is one of MLB’s hottest early‑season hitters and a major mismatch for Williamson, who has struggled with HR suppression.

Xavier Edwards (MIA)

.471 AVG, .500 OBP, .647 SLG

Elite table‑setting profile; if he reaches often, Miami’s run production spikes.

Series History & Context

Both teams enter 6–3, tied for second in their divisions.

Reds are 3–0 on the road, Marlins 5–1 at home.

Miami’s offense has been significantly more productive, while Cincinnati’s pitching has been more consistent.

Betting Trends

Reds: W3, allowing just 3 total runs in their last three games.

Marlins: inconsistent pitching but top‑tier offensive production.

Williamson’s HR issues vs. Miami’s power bats is a key red flag.

Game Odds

Cincinnati Reds                 8

Miami Marlins                  – 131

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, April 5, 2026