First Pitch is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET
Venue: loanDepot park, Miami, Florida (Marlins home game)
This afternoon matchup wraps up a four-game series between two early-season contenders in the National League. The Reds sit atop the NL Central, while the Marlins hold second in the NL East. Both clubs have shown promise through the first two-plus weeks, but pitching dominance and timely hitting will decide the rubber match of this South Florida series.
Weather Updates
loanDepot park is a fully enclosed, retractable-roof stadium. Showers are possible in the Miami area (around 75°F with high humidity and winds ~17 mph outside), so the roof is expected to remain closed. Game-time conditions will be controlled indoor climate with zero weather impact on play, ball flight, or fan experience. No delays anticipated.
Injury Report
Cincinnati Reds (key absences):
Caleb Ferguson (RP) – 15-Day IL (oblique)
Jose Trevino (C) – 10-Day IL (thoracic spine strain)
Nick Lodolo (SP) – 15-Day IL
Josh Staumont (RP) – 7-Day IL
Alex Young (RP) – Out (day-to-day)
The bullpen is thinned, but the rotation remains intact with Lowder available. No major position-player losses beyond the catcher spot.
Miami Marlins (key absences):
Max Acosta (SS) – 10-Day IL (oblique)
Kyle Stowers (LF) – 10-Day IL (hamstring)
Christopher Morel (LF) – 10-Day IL (oblique)
Thomas White (SP) – 7-Day IL
Pete Fairbanks (RP) – Paternity leave (possible return today)
The Marlins are missing key infield and outfield depth, which could strain their lineup against a strong right-handed starter.
Player Matchups & Starting Pitchers
Rhett Lowder (RHP, CIN) vs. Max Meyer (RHP, MIA)
Lowder (1-0, 1.64 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 11.0 IP, 9 K, 4 BB, 1 HR): The young right-hander has been outstanding in his first two starts of 2026, posting a franchise-best early ERA and limiting hard contact. He excels at inducing weak contact and has a plus changeup that plays well in a pitcher-friendly park.
Meyer (0-0, 4.66 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 9.2 IP, 11 K, 5 BB, 1 HR): Meyer has strikeout stuff (career-best 14 K in a recent outing) but has been hittable early this season, allowing more traffic on the bases. He relies on a lively fastball and slider but has shown vulnerability to right-handed lineups.
Key Offensive Matchups
Reds hot bats: Sal Stewart (.366 BA, top-10 in MLB) and emerging power from the middle of the order. Cincinnati ranks among the better offenses vs. right-handed pitching.
Marlins threats: Xavier Edwards (.400 BA, 2nd in MLB) provides elite contact and speed; the lineup as a whole has shown pop but has been inconsistent against quality starters like Lowder.
Team Records & Recent Forms
Reds (8-4, 5-1 on the road): Strong 3-1 start to the series in Miami before a 7-4 loss on Wednesday. They swept Texas earlier and have won five of their last seven overall. Offense is clicking (top-tier vs. RHP), and the bullpen has been serviceable despite injuries.
Marlins (7-5, 6-3 at home): Split the first three games of this series (wins on Apr. 8 after losses on Apr. 6-7). They are 2-3 in their last five overall and have shown resilience at loanDepot park but have struggled to score consistently against elite pitching.
Series History
The Reds lead the all-time series ~139-107 (exact historical edge favors Cincinnati). In recent seasons (last three years including 2026), Cincinnati holds a slight 8-6 to 10-7 advantage depending on the window. In the current 2026 season series, the Reds lead 2-1 after winning the first two games in Miami before Wednesday’s loss. The Reds have taken five of the last seven meetings overall.
Betting Trends
Marlins are strong at home (6-3) but just 2-3 ATS in their last five. Reds are 7-3 ATS overall and have covered in recent road wins. The total has gone Over in recent series games, but Lowder’s elite peripherals point to run suppression. Models are mixed—some project a low-scoring affair (Under 8), others see slight Over value.
Game Odds
Cincinnati Reds 8
Miami Marlins – 131
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, April 8, 2026
