Venue: Dodger Stadium (UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium), Los Angeles, California.
First pitch: 10:10 p.m. ET (7:10 p.m. local).
TV/Streaming: Reds.TV and SportsNet LA (SNLA); streaming options available via team apps or Fubo.
Starting Pitchers
Reds: LHP Nick Lodolo (3-3, 5.08 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 69 K in 85.0 IP). Lodolo has shown flashes but carries a high ERA and WHIP this season, with elevated home-run rates at times. He provides a left-handed look against a powerful Dodgers lineup.
Dodgers: LHP Tarik Skubal (8-7, 2.86 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 159 K in 132.1 IP). Skubal has been one of the more dominant left-handers available, posting elite command, high strikeout totals, and a strong ERA. He gives Los Angeles a significant pitching advantage.
Skubal holds a clear edge in nearly every major metric.
Weather Forecast
Warm and mostly clear to partly cloudy conditions. Daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F (hotter inland), with game-time temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s. Southwest winds around 10 mph. Low chance of showers earlier in the day, but conditions should be dry and favorable for baseball by first pitch.
Injury Reports
Reds:
Spencer Steer (1B/UTIL): 10-day IL (wrist).
Michael Toglia (1B): 60-day IL (shoulder).
Hunter Greene (SP): 60-day IL (elbow; longer-term recovery).
Blake Dunn (OF) and others on IL. Infield and pitching depth impacted.
Dodgers:
Dalton Rushing (C): 10-day IL (elbow/arm).
Andy Pages (OF): 10-day IL (hand).
Roki Sasaki (SP): 15-day IL (finger blister; nearing eligibility).
Edwin Díaz (RP) and others (neck/arm issues). Core lineup remains largely intact, with Shohei Ohtani recently returning to the order.
Los Angeles has better overall health among key everyday players.
Current Rosters / Key Players
Reds key contributors: Elly De La Cruz (speed/power, multi-HR capability and steals), Eugenio Suárez, Sal Stewart, and supporting pieces providing athleticism. Team batting average sits lower (~.230) but they generate power (194 HR).
Dodgers key contributors: Shohei Ohtani (recently returned to the lineup), Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández (hot power production), Mookie Betts/Tommy Edman, Max Muncy, and a deep supporting cast. Strong overall offense (.256 AVG, high OBP and run production) and elite home performance (45-28).
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Lodolo vs. Dodgers hitters: Faces a stacked lefty-heavy lineup featuring Ohtani, Freeman, and Muncy. Lodolo’s elevated ERA and home-run vulnerability raise risk against this power core.
Skubal vs. Reds hitters: Elite stuff and command challenge Cincinnati’s mix of speed (De La Cruz) and power. Skubal’s low WHIP and high K rate should limit traffic effectively.
This is Game 2 of the series (Dodgers took the opener 6-3 on Monday behind strong pitching and timely power). The clubs are scheduled for multiple meetings in a short span.
Recent Team Forms
Reds: Competitive in spots (recent series wins against contenders) but 69-75 overall (fifth in NL Central). Road mark is 33-37; they dropped the series opener.
Dodgers: Excellent form with a five-game winning streak entering the series and continued success. 87-57 overall (first in NL West) and dominant at home. They have rolled through recent competition.
Series History
Current multi-game set at Dodger Stadium (Dodgers lead 1-0 after Monday’s win). These clubs have a history of competitive interleague/NL matchups, but Los Angeles holds the clear upper hand in 2026 standings and recent results. Additional games are scheduled between the teams in the coming days.
Betting Trends
Heavy home favorites with the far superior starter and overall record. Totals sit in a moderate range reflecting potential for Dodgers offense balanced by Skubal’s efficiency.
Game Odds
Cincinnati Reds 8
Los Angeles Dodgers – 312
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, September 7, 2026
