Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia
First pitch: 7:15 p.m. ET
TV: BravesVision / CINR
The Braves have clinched the NL East and are tuning up for the postseason (likely hosting a Wild Card series). The Reds are out of contention in last place in the NL Central. This is Game 2 of a three-game series; Cincinnati blanked Atlanta 4-0 in the opener on Tuesday (Elly De La Cruz homered and stole a base, closing in on a 30-30 season). The season series is even at 2-2.
Probable Pitchers
Reds: LHP Andrew Abbott (6-11, 4.70 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, ~125 K in 159 IP). The lefty has endured a tough season with elevated walk and hit rates. He faces a strong Braves lineup in a challenging road environment.
Braves: LHP Chris Sale (14-9, 2.18 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 190 K in 157 IP). The veteran lefty is having an outstanding season and is expected to make his final regular-season start (extra rest built in to line him up for the postseason). Elite strikeout numbers and low WHIP make him a major advantage.
Current Weather Forecast
Overcast to mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers (around 20%). Temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s°F (high near 76–80°F), east winds 5–11 mph (gusts higher), moderate humidity, and low overall precipitation risk during the game window. Comfortable late-summer conditions at Truist Park.
Injury Reports
Reds:
SP Chase Burns (15-day IL, groin)
SP Julian Garcia (15-day IL, elbow)
1B Spencer Steer (60-day IL, wrist)
INF Michael Toglia (60-day IL, shoulder)
SP Hunter Greene (60-day IL, elbow — Tommy John, out long-term)
Other longer-term absences (Blake Dunn, etc.).
Braves:
RF Ronald Acuña Jr. (day-to-day, left shin contusion after fouling a ball off his leg Tuesday; X-rays negative)
OF Lane Thomas (10-day IL, intercostal/side)
SP Bryce Elder (15-day IL, knee)
SP Reynaldo López (15-day IL, shoulder)
Multiple longer-term IL players (Spencer Strider, Robert Suarez, etc.).
Key Rosters / Notable Players
Reds: SS Elly De La Cruz (.288 AVG range, approaching 30 HR/30 SB), 1B Sal Stewart (power and RBI production, ~32 HR/110 RBI), INF/OF Eugenio Suárez, and supporting pieces. Offense ranks near the bottom in AVG/OBP but has power (207 HR).
Braves: CF Michael Harris II (.289), 1B Matt Olson (power), 3B Austin Riley, C Drake Baldwin, and the potential return of Acuña Jr. Strong overall lineup and pitching depth despite some absences.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Both starters are left-handed, creating same-handed challenges for many hitters. Sale’s elite stuff and command should dominate a Reds offense that struggles against quality pitching.
Abbott faces a patient, power-capable Braves group (Olson, Riley, Harris). Acuña’s availability could significantly boost Atlanta’s lineup.
Truist Park plays relatively neutrally, with the mild wind unlikely to heavily favor either side.
Recent Team Forms
Reds: Mixed (4-6 in last 10). They snapped a skid with the shutout win Tuesday. Road record 35-41. Offense has been inconsistent.
Braves: Solid overall (6-4 in last 10 in some snapshots) but dropped the series opener. Excellent home record (51-28). They are managing workloads with the division locked up.
Series History
Fourth and fifth meetings of 2026 (tied 2-2 after the Reds’ 4-0 win Tuesday). Competitive recent results between the clubs, though Atlanta holds the clear season-long talent and record edge.
Betting Trends
Trends heavily favor Atlanta given Sale’s dominance, home-field advantage, and superior overall roster. The Reds’ upset potential exists after Tuesday’s shutout, but Sale is a significant step up from the previous starter. Totals lean toward the Under in Sale starts historically.
GAME ODDS
Cincinnati Reds 7.5
Atlanta Braves – 255
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, September 22, 2026
