The Cincinnati Reds picked up a win on Friday to open up their series in Philadelphia against the National League East leading Phillies. This afternoon the two teams will get back to it. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10pm ET. Today’s game if one of the Free MLB.tv games of the way if you’d prefer to tune in.
Starting Lineups
Cincinnati Reds | Philadelphia Phillies |
| Matt McLain – 2B | Trea Turner – SS |
| Santiago Espinal – LF | Kyle Schwarber – DH |
| Elly De La Cruz – SS | Bryce Harper – 1B |
| Austin Hays – DH | Alec Bohm – 3B |
| Spencer Steer – 1B | Nick Castellanos – RF |
| Noelvi Marte – 3B | J.T. Realmuto – C |
| Jose Trevino – C | Otto Kemp – LF |
| Rece Hinds – RF | Edmundo Sosa – 2B |
| Will Benson – CF | Johan Rojas – CF |
| Nick Lodolo – LHP | Ranger Suarez – LHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Nick Lodolo | 94.2 | 3.52 | 1.15 | 20 | 85 |
| Ranger Suarez | 72.0 | 2.00 | 1.00 | 17 | 67 |
| Links: Nick Lodolo’s Stats | Ranger Suarez’s Stats | |||||
Nick Lodolo
After a rough outing in Cleveland where he allowed six runs in 3.1 innings, Nick Lodolo has rebounded fairly well in his last three starts where he’s thrown 15.2 innings while giving up just four runs (2.30 ERA) and striking out 15 batters.
His splits continue to be a bit weird. Lodolo has dominated left-handed hitters in the past, but they continue to hit him better this season than righties have. While they aren’t hitting for much power, they are hitting for a very high average and it’s carrying over to his other stats. Opposing managers still aren’t putting many lefties in there against him, though. Righties aren’t hitting for average or drawing walks, but they are showing solid power when they do happen to find a hit.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 313 | 65 | 14 | 0 | 12 | 15 | 71 | .225 | .280 | .398 |
| LHH | 85 | 24 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 14 | .329 | .393 | .452 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | 2-seam | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 93.8 | 93.7 | 87.8 | 81.8 |
| Usage | 23% | 28% | 28% | 22% |
Ranger Suarez
A back injury kept Ranger Suarez out of the Phillies rotation until early May. His first start saw him allow seven runs in 3.2 innings against Arizona. In the 10 starts since then he’s posted a 1.19 ERA and given up a total of nine earned runs. He’s thrown at least seven innings in each of his last five starts and given up a total of five runs in those starts.
The splits this season against Suarez show pure dominance against lefties. He’s had four starts (of 11) where he didn’t see a single left-handed hitter. In the other seven they’ve not managed a walk or an extra-base hit against him. He has been quite good against right-handed hitters, too, as they aren’t hitting for average, aren’t walking much, and are not hitting for hardly any power.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 248 | 49 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 17 | 57 | .213 | .267 | .317 |
| LHH | 34 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | .182 | .206 | .182 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-sm | 2-sm | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 92.0 | 90.4 | 86.4 | 74.0 | 80.8 | 79.8 |
| Usage | 14% | 29% | 19% | 14% | 2% | 23% |
When and Where
- Game time: 4:10pm ET
- Where: Citizens Bank Park
- Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, MLB.tv
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 87°, sunny, 5% chance of rain
News and Notes
TJ Friedl gets a day off
No Friedl in the lineup today. It’s just an off day – something he hasn’t had in nearly two months (at least on game days).
Some injury updates
Hunter Greene is set to start a rehab assignment in Triple-A on Tuesday.
Jake Fraley is also doing really well, taking at-bats this weekend. They’ll check in with him when they’re back home on Monday about the next step.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 5, 2025
Division Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Chicago | 53 | 35 | 0.0 | 94.0% |
| Milwaukee | 49 | 39 | 4.0 | 61.2% |
| St. Louis | 47 | 42 | 6.5 | 32.1% |
| Cincinnati | 46 | 42 | 7.0 | 18.0% |
| Pittsburgh | 38 | 51 | 15.5 | 0.3% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
I like Espinal as a utility player, but he has the third lowest ISO in baseball this year, and an OBP under .300. There’s no way he should ever be hitting 2nd. On top of that, at least when he’s in the infield he is a plus defender, but he’s playing left field today?
Meanwhile CES has two of the most clutch hits on the team recently (3 run double against the Yanks and GS against the BoSox) and he’s sat out the last two games. I realize he hasn’t been consistent, but at least he scares the other team a little bit.
I just don’t see espinal providing much myself,and ces will never be consistent when he sits more than he plays,you will only begin to hit lefty if u are given a chance
Reds are trying to win games, not give chances.
I think if Tito doesn’t trust CES, he should be sent back to AAA so he can at least get consistent playing time and continue to work on his hitting.
I’m guess Tito is getting really frustrated with CES chasing so many pitches out of the zone. CES made his way through the minors with a reputation as a “bad ball” hitter, but it simply isn’t working for him at the MLB level.
He needs to work on shrinking his strike zone and not chasing out of the zone. He can learn that with the right coach and consistent playing time. But he definitely can’t learn it riding the bench in MLB.
The problem is that they seem to deal with their fear by pitching out of the strike zone, knowing that he’ll eventually swing and miss or make weak contact. I, too, am puzzled by Espinal–both his batting second and playing left, though that may be a consequence of Friedl’s day off.
Espinal batting 2nd career OPS is .470 (.180 BA)
His OPS is .630 – .775 at all other spots in the lineup.
This is muy loco.
Espinal in 2025 is better vs LHP than vs RHP
and he’s much better vs finesse pitchers than vs power pitchers.
So I guess there’s that.
And I guess we shouldn’t expect to see him tomorrow vs Wheeler who is right-handed power.
CES OPS vs LHP
2025: .125 (not a typo, literally he has 2 hits in 34 ABs with 0 BBs vs LHP this year)
Career: .460
Espinal OPS vs LHP
2025: .718 (not a typo, Literally he has 2 hits in 34 ABs)
Career: .767
It’s not really a decision who plays against LHP between those two.
fixed
CES OPS vs LHP
2025: .125 (not a typo, literally he has 2 hits in 34 ABs with 0 BBs vs LHP this year)
Career: .460
Espinal OPS vs LHP
2025: .718
Career: .767
It’s not really a decision who plays against LHP between those two.
I understand the platoon issues, and CES and Lux could be great late inning subs/PH options, but will they be? The mid season rental they may or may not get should move Espy back to the Super-U role. Also, will we never again see the McLain at SS, EDLC at 3b late inning move? That may have been Bell’s best bench move.
I’m counting on Nick today.
You & me both! Reds bullpen needs some rest after Tito used 6 RPs yesterday!
Posted this in another thread.
Espinal was 13 for 65 the month of June for a .200 average. He had 2 doubles, 0 home runs, 0 rbi, 0 sb, 2 bb and 7 k.
Those numbers are not a starter at the MLB level. Great defense, sure. Late inning defensive replacement, sure. Not a starter.
No way Espinal should be starting, let alone hitting 2nd.
Who should be starting in his place?
Good question. He had two hits yesterday (minus the Benson blunder), so let’s see what he can do. Batting second is the only question in my mind, but he’s been there before.
If you compare the players of each team through the order of the lineups I think the Reds don’t look inferior than Philly aside Espinal at the 2nd spot against Kyle Schwarber on the other side… It’s ridiculous to stay on that idea …Hope Espinal will make me wrong today…
IMHO phillies has a WS Championship’s runner line-up, if keeps healthy… the only ones at that level from the Reds is Elly and Friedl
CIN Lineup
Matt McLain (R) 2B
Santiago Espinal (R) LF
Elly De La Cruz (S) SS
Austin Hays (R) DH
Spencer Steer (R) 1B
Noelvi Marte (R) 3B
Jose Trevino (R) C
Rece Hinds (R) RF
Will Benson (L) CF
PHI Lineup
Trea Turner (R) SS
Kyle Schwarber (L) DH
Bryce Harper (L) 1B
Alec Bohm (R) 3B
Nick Castellanos (R) RF
J.T. Realmuto (R) C
Otto Kemp (R) LF
Edmundo Sosa (R) 2B
Johan Rojas (R) CF
Does anybody have an estimation about the salary of phlillies line-up… looks expensive for a reason.. They can produce clutching hitting I guess
So reds need a Good Lodolo and a very good defense today
Spotrac is a good resource for this.
The high-priced Phillies lineup wasn’t clutch yesterday! Especially Pretty Boy Harper!
Mark, respectfully…philies are leading NL east.
Reds were favorite in the odds yesterday (because AA), they scored 6 and lost anyway, because their pitching. Reds are underdog today.
Hopefully Lodolo keeps the score low and hitters make Suarez fail
I don’t know salaries, but their league-average lineup (.680 OPS in high-leverage situations btw) is almost certainly underperforming their collective cost.
They’d been winning in 2025 with strong starting pitching. And if you take away a convenient stretch of the schedule where they rolled the Pirates, Rockies and A’s their WP% is not really all that impressive.
Reds have NEVER given CES a real chance, and probably won’t. He’ll be traded at deadline. Steer was awful for 200 AB’s, and has really come on. He got every chance in the world. McLain a couple good weeks, but mostly terrible. Again, every chance in the world. CES, not so much
Welcome back, Doug! Hope you had a great Independence Day!
Regardless of what happens in the final 2 games of this series with the Phillies, I think how the Reds have/are performing during this 24-game stretch is noteworthy!
Starting on June 9th the Reds have played (including the current series) 3-game series against 8 different teams! Of those 8 series, 3 were/are against teams that were NL or AL Division leaders when the series started! The other series were ALL against teams with winning records except Boston. Their current record thru 22 of those 24 games is 13-9. Remarkable and unexpected by this RLN participant!
Hoping for a long and low-scoring outing by Lodolo today! Also, hopeful the offense stays Reds hot! Need Will “The Thrill” Benson to play The Punisher today!
Benson is 5 for his last 10 with only 1 K.
I like seeing him heat up.
The voice of wisdom is always welcome, Dennis.
I agree. There have been some frustrating games. But on the whole they have performed creditably against good opposition in June. I would be thrilled if they can keep it going against the cards and brewers
Cards clinging to a one-run lead against the Stupid Cubs thru 5 innings! Not often that I root for St. Louis but Go Cards!
Espy or CES seems to be the dispute of the day, I would rather have CES today based on the fact he might run into one like he did the other night. Espy has no chance of hitting a home run today and a long ball might be needed against this type of pitcher.
One more painful stat for Espinal. 10 GIDP this year in 263 PA’s. At least lead him off.
CES 1 in 133 PA’s. And as noted by someone else CES has 7 SO in his last 40.
Why is Benson in CF? Hinds has been playing there in AAA. Now we have Benson and Hinds out of position and then a guy who really isn’t an outfielder playing left.
I hope Lodolo brings his strikeout pitches to the mound today.
Hinds played almost exclusively in RF when he was back at AAA from late May until his most recent recall.
Benson has 60 MLB appearances in CF, including 43 in 2024 and 3 priors this year.
Phillies will play hard and aggressive this game…
Phillies always play hard, or their fans may not let them get out of Citizens Bank Park alive! Remember Santa!
Lets GO!!!
Lodolo playing with fire in the bottom of the 1st! Luckily, he doesn’t get burned!
I just want to say that I’m really happy Lodolo has managed to stay healthy so far this season. I had my doubts about his durability, but he’s so far proven me wrong.
Knock on wood.
Lodolo k’ed the side!
Lodolo has the change up on the outside corner working. Mixing in that high heater and he will continue to mow down the Phillies
Hinds trying to kill every pitch. He has a ways to go.
Big fan as he has all the tools in my opinion. Yet….
Can’t wait until he puts all those tools in the same toolbox!
Sadak just said that people were impressed with Hines especially during batting practice. Are you kidding me! Cowboy said you don’t get paid for batting practice.
Suarez is a really pure off-speed lefty pitcher…This kind of pitcher hurt the Reds a lot…
This line up has too many easy outs in it against a pitcher of Suarez talent.
McClain literally stepping in desperation toward that final pitch that was 2 feet off the plate. We’ve seen that third strike swing repeatedly, and so have all the opposing pitchers. He’s still a work in progress I guess.
Nick getting it done. O?
Hoping the offense will take a better approach in this 2nd round through the order
Got a between innings question for folks…. Generally watch games on a tablet. Without laying out the money for an iPad mini, what is a decent 8″-10″ tablet to stream with.
Amazon Fire has washed out b/c it does not have the MiLB app in its store, and, there has been an update lately that killed the MiLB app I had ported over to it from Google Play.
I’m partial to Samsung products! Don’t own, and never will own, ANY Apple devices!
Thanks, I think I am leaning towards Lenovo, but they’ve got about 3 in the range that I am trying to differentiate. And I’m not going with a “no name”.
In general, I share your view of Apple. However, I am streaming on a 9th-generation iPad right now. Lots of extended family are on Apple, and I wanted to have a device on Apple also for that reason.
It is good for streaming, basic email, and communicating with other Apple devices, but I wouldn’t use it for anything else.
The Fire sold me on a smaller device, but then Kaboom! 😉
Elly just missed
They are starting to size up Ranger.
Elly a tad out in front, and a great ab by Hays
The hitting coach I feel is starting to pay dividends for the Reds. They are showing more patience like yesterday. Other games as well.
Missed opportunity. Tough 3rd strike call on Steer but it’s a borderline pitch, he should have tried to foul off.
If you want to bat in the meat of the order on a winning team, you can’t take those pitches in leverage situations and then scowl at the ump when the call goes against you. This seems like an issue for both Stephenson and Steer. FWIW, Gameday says it was a fringer but an honest strike.
Agree completely.
But in fairness all players do that Jim.
He could be Hines and skip back to the bench after he tries to kill every pitch. John Kruk is amazed by his swinging.
It’s not ideal to waste nice chances to score against Ranger Suarez…Although I am hesitant about the third strike on Steer…looked a bit inside…The ump helped the home team
McClain should not be batting first on a contending team right now. He is no Pete Rose or Joe Morgan. Drop him to the lower part of the lineup. I support him starting at second base. He has played terrible this year at the plate.
We draw blood. Non doubter by Benson.
How about Will Benson!!
L on L wow, good for him.
First HR Suarez has given up to a lefty in over a year.
June 24.
Willy Benson !!!
Hines is on the team to hit lefties. He might want to start. 0-18 or 19 according to Kruk
Nice job Benson ! Reds gotta get another outfielder by trade deadline – should have already been done . Been on “to do list “ forever. Reece ain’t it .
Quote of the day, from Cowboy, in reply to Sadak’s mention of Hinds’ batting practice prowess: “nobody in the big leagues gets paid for batting practice”. Shades of Willy Mo Peña.
Nice day by Espinal today.
WTG, Benson!
I guess the Espy discussion is settled (for now).
Lots of comments about Espinal before the game but nobody looks to see how he fares against LHP.
Lots of uninformed posts here.
Esponal with more hits and walks against LHP today than CES has had ALL SEASON.
It’s great when the math is mathing.
Espinal has played way more games and over 100 more abs than CES. That to me isn’t a fair comparison when CES has had a grand total of 125 ab’s.
@Kevin, ok, let’s add context. Espinal with more hits and BBs in 3 PAs today against LHP than CES has had ALL SEASON in 34 PAs
That last sentence.
I bashed him but I also optimistically posted some stats vs LHP and stats vs finesse pitchers like Suarez.
Tito did make the right call.
Hays?
The offense managed to carry Suarez up to 81 pitches through 5 IP and gives the Reds a 1 run lead… Lodolo will try to defend it
Suarez is the exact reason why people can’t get enthralled with throwing 100 mph every pitch. It will forever be about being a pitcher and not a thrower.
+50,000
I know they are retired now but both Glavine & Maddux rarely threw above 90 mph but were highly effective HOFers!
Location and movement still mean as much as velocity.
How bout swing the bat if there are 2 strikes and close pitch instead of standing there like statues ! Come on
Harder than it looks for sure though.
The only thing I hate worse than SOs by Reds batters are WALKS by Reds pitchers! That being said, I would rather the SO not be via a called 3rd strike!
Started watching during earl dinner out, so no sound. Watched Harper do the statue play twice :).
Lodolo doing well, even with that blast from Sosa. Matched Benson’s shot. Let’s buckle down and score some of these guys we’re getting on base, please.
It’s incredible …Sosa hit a good pitch by Lodolo… It’s a shame because Nick is dealing
Shaping up as a low-scoring pitcher’s duel! Who will blink first?
I’m not sure I trust either of these bullpens to keep it like that.
More fireworks, Reds!
Nice job by Steer!!
Steer just keeps going.
Trevino is due!!
Or not …
Nope lol
Trevino slumping.
Yeah, ever since Tito gave him three starts in the Yankees series
Missed opportunity again. Marte needed to get Steer to 3rd. In this type of close game, 1 run is a difference between W or L
After Ranger Suarez is out, this game becomes winnable by the Reds…should take advantage
AND let’s get em using up their bullpen before tomorrow.
Looks like Phillies might be assuming 7 strong from Wheeler.
Disrupt, Reds!
So in terms of Hinds. I wonder if watching video or pitch recognition being studied would help Hinds.. I don’t think you can keep sending him out there at this time.
I am sure they are working behind the scenes, and likewise with CES Reds have some young players who have potential..
You do have to wonder with some of these guys. Their “wild swings” seem to be their undoing at this level. Obviously some make adjustments and progress. Many others don’t and fade away to Japan or Korea (or so it seems).
It’s called try not hitting everything into orbit. After 2 strikes he needs to shorten the swing and just make contact. He is making no adjustments at all. Pulling for the guy but at this rate he will be in Louisville soon.
Meanwhile, the stupid Cardinals beat the Cubs.
I REALLY look forward to the Cards and Brewers playing each other a lot in the 2nd half.
I am sure this is not a popular opinion here, but I am fine with the Cubs beating the Cards and Brewers for the rest of 2025.
I don’t think the Reds are built to chase down the division title.
The W/L numbers and the remaining schedule just don’t add up for me.
Cubs’ bullpen had a meltdown and gave up 5 runs in the top of the 8th to blow a 5-1 lead! They used 7 pitchers in what I’m guessing was a “Bullpen Day”!
Cookie to Bohm … 😮
Yeah..a few mistakes Lodolo made.
Dumb pitch right there -just dumb
It’s wasn’t a dumb pitch, just a missed location.
What a mistake by Lodolo … That happened after Reds missed chances to score
Lodolo pitching a great game today. Just two mistakes. Ugh
C’mon Reds. Gotta find a way to win this type of game. Lodolo made a couple mistakes but overall it’s a good outing. Reds missed some opportunities so far but there’s still a lot of baseball left. Get the bases loaded and bring in CES 🙂
For some reason this team gets 4 over time and time again and can’t win, strange.
QS for Nick is a bit of a sister kisser after that 2-run blast 🙁
Win or lose, I’m just happy to get 6 innings out of Lodolo! Reds bullpen has to be exhausted at this point in the season!
Needless to say, need smarter ABs from the Reds batters in their last 3 innings!
Much better outing from Nick, that much is certain. Victim of a lethargic offense.
Not a bad idea, but Bohm was playing for it and made a good throw.
Espinal with a nice try…the bunt was a little hard and Bohm today is a Reds killer…
Just realized that the Reds are currently outhitting the Phillies 6 to 4! Turnabout is fair play for last night, I guess!
Good to see Ashcraft back! Just hope he can be effective!
Nice, efficient inning. We’ll take that for the first inning back.
We’ve needed that clutch hit in this one and so far haven’t gotten it. Hopefully, soon.
The problem with this younger generation is that they don’t know to drive a clutch!
My left knee is my “good one” and I’d still have trouble doing it these days … 😛
No kidding, D.
Rally Reds come here in this 8th??
Thank you, Trea … 😉
And we waste it just a bit there
And then a LOT wasted.
Reds cant come up with big hit today. Ugh.
Just needed a flare, a gork, a groundball with eyes …
These guys and their double-play ab’s…
After can’t capitalize the big error from Truner the Reds deserve to lose this game
Or the Phillies pitcher got them to hit his pitches. Same as Reds pitchers do when a teammate makes a error.
Choke city today. Wheeler Burns tomorrow. If they don’t get atleast 5 of 7 vs Miami/Colorado coming up then 1st half is a disappointment. They’ll be in 9th in the NL for sure
Lmao. My goodness
Guess you’re happy w/9th and all the division titles/playoff runs they’ve had in the last 35 years. I’m competitive. I don’t like wasting my free time on losers & chokers
No, however all you do is moan and complain. The reds are 1.5 games out of the wildcard. The Reds are a good baseball team. Sorry you dont see that
“don’t like wasting my free time on losers & chokers” – says the guy sitting on his couch . Every time you open your mouth something stupid comes out.
Hey I didn’t call you out for your opinions. Any time any place pal! Always some tough guy sitting behind a keyboard. I’m allowed to be critical. Free country last time I checked.
JB, I’ve only predicted about 7 guys the Reds went out and got since RLN got going. I’ve forgot more baseball then you’ll ever know.
Sonny, Puig, Nick C., etc etc
With the pitching match up tomorrow this was a game the Reds really needed. Admit it or not, this team just can’t get hot, mostly because of their inconsistent offense.
Lmao my goodness
This team is just atrocious at capitalizing on
scoring opportunities – and been that way about entire year . Horrible . Good pitching gone to waste again .
McClain has been really disappointing
fwiw I think they may be league-average-ish with RISP and during high leverage ABs
But yeah, when they get several innings against a bad bullpen, you wanna see more O.
And the error from MattyMc …
If Elly steals its 3-2 atleast. Station to station and usually getting outhomered. Thats not a winning recipe
That has also been an issue all year.
Well they aint the 4th highest payroll team for nothing!!
And that’s a full Clete from me.
Need to gut one out tomorrow to take the series.
Later, y’all.
GA looked dominant atleast. He’s 7th inning guy again with a lead. We have nobody better
You can put it any way you want but Mclain has been a giant disappointment this year.
Yes he has for sure …dude gonna regret not signing that extension Reds approached him about earlier
It seems like every HR hit by a Reds opponent is preceded by a WALK or an error! That 2-run HR by Schwarber hurt!
Stellar day Maclain – geeze man
Gonna take a Herculean effort to beat Wheeler tomorrow! Stranger things have happened!
The Reds had a chance today to win but the offense couldn’t hit against the Philly bullpen and Lodolo gave up the two homers that helped the Phillies win
I agree that Lux should bat second against right handed pitchers. McClain did better at the bottom of the batting order. Move him to the bottom third of the order.
I agree William. How about this lineup against Zack Wheeler tomorrow: Friedl CF, Lux DH, EDLC, Hays LF, Steer 1B, TySteve C, Marte 3B, Benson RF, and McLain 2B.
I hope Tito does not play Mclain tomorrow. Put Lux at 2nd. I have always liked Mclain but my patience has worn very thin with him for at least this year. On another issue I am afraid this is just a .500 team or, a little better little less. As for next week 5 of 7 would be great but will have to sweep the Rocks, a split with a hot Miami team will be lucky. The Marlins are doing something this Reds team has failed to do all year = get red hot for a 10 to 12 game stretch. Very frustrated fan.
I like McClain. I just like winning more.
What a great day for a ball game. Things didn’t go the Reds way today, but it was still a good game. Can’t wait to see them go for the series win tomorrow.
8th fewest GIDP in the NL so far. Middle of the pack. Last season they had the fewest GIDP in the NL. 2024 they had a million Ks I guess and they ran more. Starting to be a problem. Tito could hit-n-run just to shake things up