Breaking: Dodgers vs Reds Full Watch Guide Revealed

Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds players preparing for an MLB game

Image Source: The New York Times

Dodgers vs Reds opens a four-game series Monday, September 14, at Great American Ball Park, with both clubs entering the matchup at very different points in the season. The Los Angeles Dodgers are 90-59 and lead the National League West, while the Cincinnati Reds are 70-79 and sit fifth in the NL Central.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Eastern time. The game gives Los Angeles another opportunity to strengthen its position in the playoff race, while Cincinnati will look to make an impact against one of the National League’s leading teams.

Dodgers vs Reds: Start Time and How to Watch

  • Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers at Cincinnati Reds
  • Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
  • Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
  • Venue: Great American Ball Park
  • Television: Reds.TV and SportsNet LA

The game will be played in Cincinnati, where the Reds begin a challenging series against a Dodgers club that has consistently performed at a high level throughout the season. Fans watching from home should check their regional broadcast availability before game time.

Starting Pitchers Set for Monday’s Series Opener

Tarik Skubal is listed as the Dodgers’ starter. He enters the contest with a 9-7 record and a strong 2.84 earned-run average. His performance will be especially important against a Cincinnati lineup featuring several dangerous power and speed threats.

Nick Lodolo is expected to take the mound for the Reds. The left-hander is 3-4 with a 5.12 ERA this season. Cincinnati will need Lodolo to limit free baserunners and keep Los Angeles’ middle-of-the-order hitters from creating early pressure.

The pitching matchup offers an intriguing contrast. Skubal’s lower ERA reflects a more consistent campaign, while Lodolo will try to use his home-field setting and familiarity with the ballpark to produce a turnaround performance.

Dodgers and Reds Betting Odds

According to the watch guide provided by Data Skrive, Los Angeles is the clear favorite entering Monday night. The Dodgers are listed at -222 on the moneyline, while Cincinnati is priced at +180.

  • Dodgers moneyline: -222
  • Reds moneyline: +180
  • Over/under: 7.5 runs
  • Over odds: -105
  • Under odds: -115

The betting market expects a competitive but relatively controlled game, with the total set at 7.5 runs. Those figures can change before first pitch, so fans should confirm the latest numbers before making any decisions.

Important Injury Updates

Both teams are dealing with significant injuries as the regular season moves toward its final weeks. The Dodgers’ injured list includes Shohei Ohtani, who is sidelined with a biceps issue, along with Dalton Rushing, Andy Pages, Roki Sasaki and Edwin Díaz.

Los Angeles also has several players on the 60-day injured list, including Gavin Stone, Jake Cousins, Eric Lauer, Brusdar Graterol, Kris Bubic, Will Klein and Ben Casparius. These absences have tested the club’s depth during an important stretch of the schedule.

The Reds are without Spencer Steer, who is dealing with a wrist injury. Hunter Greene is on the 60-day injured list with an elbow issue, while Mike Toglia and Blake Dunn are also unavailable because of shoulder and elbow injuries, respectively.

Key Players to Watch in the MLB Matchup

Freddie Freeman remains one of Los Angeles’ central offensive leaders. He is batting .293 with a .371 on-base percentage and a .447 slugging percentage. Freeman has also recorded 16 home runs, 66 runs batted in and 72 runs scored across 609 plate appearances.

Kyle Tucker has posted a .226/.323/.369 slash line, along with 14 home runs, 65 RBIs and 79 runs scored. He has also stolen 10 bases without being caught, adding another dimension to the Dodgers’ lineup.

Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart has enjoyed a productive season, hitting .270 with a .340 on-base percentage and a .476 slugging percentage. He has 31 home runs and 106 RBIs, ranking among the leading run producers in Major League Baseball.

Elly De La Cruz is another major threat for the Reds. He is batting .284 with 26 home runs, 71 RBIs and 25 stolen bases. His combination of speed and power could create problems for Los Angeles if he reaches base early and often.

What to Expect From Dodgers vs Reds

The Dodgers enter as the stronger team on paper, but Cincinnati’s lineup has enough talent to make the opener competitive. The result could depend on whether Lodolo can navigate Los Angeles’ experienced hitters and whether the Reds can capitalize on scoring opportunities against Skubal.

For Los Angeles, the priority is maintaining momentum and protecting its division lead. For Cincinnati, the series represents a chance to play spoiler and evaluate key players during the closing weeks of the season.

When is Dodgers vs Reds?

The series opener is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:40 p.m. ET.

Where will the game be played?

The game will take place at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Who are the expected starting pitchers?

Tarik Skubal is expected to start for the Dodgers, while Nick Lodolo is listed as Cincinnati’s probable starter.

How can fans watch the game?

The game is scheduled to air on Reds.TV and SportsNet LA. Regional availability may vary.

Which players should fans watch?

Freddie Freeman and Kyle Tucker are key Dodgers hitters, while Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz are Cincinnati’s most notable offensive threats.