MLB Game Preview: Cincinnati Reds (46-43) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (52-37)

The Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds square off in the rubber match of a three-game weekend series. With both teams in the thick of the playoff hunt, this matchup could have significant implications for the Wild Card race and divisional momentum heading into the All-Star break.

Game Details

Team Records & Recent Form

• The Phillies are 29–16 at home and have won 3 of their last 4 games.
• The Reds are 22–24 on the road and have won 5 of their last 7 as underdogs.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Philadelphia Phillies: Zack Wheeler (8–3, 2.27 ERA)

• 112.2 IP, 124 K, 1.03 WHIP
• One of the most consistent aces in the NL
• Coming off 7 shutout innings vs. the Padres

Cincinnati Reds: Chase Burns (0–1, 13.50 ERA)

• Top prospect making his second MLB start
• Struggled in debut but has elite fastball-slider combo
• High upside, but facing a tough lineup in a hitter-friendly park

Players to Watch

Philadelphia Phillies

• Kyle Schwarber: 26 HR (5th in MLB), 60 RBI – power bat with game-changing potential
• Trea Turner: .301 AVG, 11 HR – leads team in hits and batting average
• Alec Bohm: .283 AVG, 8 HR – riding a 7-game hitting streak

Cincinnati Reds

• Elly De La Cruz: 18 HR, 60 RBI – team leader in both categories, 12th in MLB in RBI
• TJ Friedl: .284 AVG – consistent contact hitter and leadoff spark
• Spencer Steer: .256 AVG, 10 HR – versatile bat with clutch power

Injury Report Highlights

Philadelphia Phillies

• Bryce Harper – day-to-day (hamstring)
• Cristopher Sánchez – 15-day IL (shoulder)
• Ranger Suárez – expected back post-All-Star break

Cincinnati Reds

• Matt McLain – 60-day IL (shoulder)
• Nick Lodolo – 15-day IL (groin)
• Christian Encarnacion-Strand – out indefinitely (wrist)