Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
First pitch: 9:40 p.m. ET
TV: Reds/Diamondbacks regional networks
This interleague series opener features a struggling Reds club visiting a Diamondbacks team that sits in third place in the NL West and holds a strong home record (36-27). Arizona enters as a solid favorite. The season series is even or competitive based on prior meetings.
Starting Pitchers
Cincinnati: LHP Nick Lodolo (3-2, 4.52 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 57 K in 71.2 IP). Lodolo has shown flashes but has been limited in volume and consistency this season. He has struggled at times with command and home runs.
Arizona: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (12-4, 2.71 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 106 K in 149.1 IP). Rodriguez has been one of the more reliable starters in the National League, posting strong ratios and a solid win total while logging a heavy workload.
Rodriguez holds a significant edge in form, durability, and overall production.
Current Rosters (Key Active Contributors)
Reds core: Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, Dane Myers, and supporting pieces. Cincinnati ranks higher in home runs (165) but has been inconsistent offensively (.226 team AVG) and ranks lower in pitching overall.
Diamondbacks core: Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, Nolan Arenado, Gabriel Moreno, and complementary hitters. Arizona has a more balanced attack and stronger home performance.
Lineups are typically confirmed closer to first pitch.
Injury Reports
Reds: Spencer Steer (10-day IL, wrist), Blake Dunn (longer-term elbow), Tony Santillan (15-day IL, oblique – potentially returning soon), Graham Ashcraft (60-day IL), Brandon Williamson (60-day IL), Hunter Greene (60-day IL, elbow – season-ending in some reports), and additional depth issues.
Diamondbacks: Ketel Marte (10-day IL, knee inflammation), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (10-day IL, adductor), Ryan Thompson (15-day IL), Drey Jameson (15-day IL), plus longer-term absences including Zac Gallen, Corbin Burnes, and several other pitchers.
Both teams are missing key contributors, with Arizona particularly impacted in the middle of the order and Cincinnati thin in the rotation and bullpen.
Weather Forecast (Phoenix)
Extremely hot and dry. Sunny to mostly sunny with highs around 110–111°F. Light winds (east/west around 5–10 mph). Mostly clear overnight with lows in the mid-to-upper 80s. Typical late-summer desert conditions; Chase Field’s retractable roof will likely be closed for comfort, creating a controlled environment.
Recent Team Forms
Reds (last 10: 4-6): .194 BA and 4.50 ERA; outscored by 16 runs. They have dropped five of their last seven and enter after a tough series loss to St. Louis.
Diamondbacks (last 10: 5-5): .251 BA and 4.30 ERA; roughly even run differential. Arizona has been more stable at home.
Arizona holds the edge in current form and home-field advantage.
Season Series History
Competitive overall (roughly even or slightly favoring one side in prior 2026 meetings). Games have featured a mix of pitching duels and higher-scoring outcomes.
Key Player versus Player Matchups / Notes
Rodriguez’s strong command and left-handed delivery vs. Reds hitters (De La Cruz’s speed and power).
Lodolo against Arizona’s left-handed and switch-hitting threats (Carroll’s athleticism).
Chase Field can play neutrally or slightly favor hitters depending on roof status and ball characteristics.
De La Cruz remains a major threat on the bases and with the bat.
Bullpens will matter given both teams’ injury situations.
Betting Trends
Arizona’s superior starter, home record, and overall standing support the favorite status. Totals have been moderate.
Game Odds
Cincinnati Reds 8.5
Arizona Diamondbacks – 142
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, August 20, 2026
