The Cincinnati Reds begin a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 7, 2026, following a successful series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Why it matters: This series marks a key moment for both teams. The Reds aim to continue their winning momentum, having recently defeated a strong Brewers team, whereas the Dodgers are looking to maintain their current winning streak.
The Reds are coming off a series victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park.
Chase Burns will start for the Reds, with a limited pitch count as part of a strategy to manage his innings.
The Dodgers have not faced the Reds in their first 143 games of the season but will meet them seven times in the next 11 days.
Shohei Ohtani is returning to the Dodgers lineup after missing four games due to knee soreness.
Driving the news: The series opener features Chase Burns on the mound for the Reds and Emmett Sheehan starting for the Dodgers. The game is set to begin at 9:10 PM ET.
Burns is expected to pitch a limited number of innings, with lefty Brandon Williamson slated to piggyback off his start.
Emmett Sheehan, the right-handed pitcher for the Dodgers, has been performing well and aims to extend the team's winning streak.
This matchup is particularly exciting as both teams are vying for playoff positioning.
State of play: As the Reds enter this series, they are looking to capitalize on their recent success against the Brewers.
The Reds have shown resilience and are eager to keep their momentum going against a formidable opponent like the Dodgers.
With Ohtani back in the lineup, the Dodgers are expected to be more competitive, adding pressure on the Reds' pitching staff.
Both teams have strong lineups, featuring key players like Ohtani for the Dodgers and Hector Rodriguez for the Reds.
The big picture: The Reds and Dodgers have a long-standing rivalry, making this series particularly important.
The upcoming games could significantly impact playoff standings as both teams seek to solidify their positions.
The Reds hope to exploit the Dodgers' recent struggles and build on their own winning streak.
This series is part of a larger stretch where the Reds will face the Dodgers multiple times, creating a high-stakes environment.
What they're saying: Players and coaches from both teams have expressed excitement about the series.
"We’re ready to take on any challenge, especially against a team like the Dodgers," said Reds pitcher Chase Burns.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of Ohtani's return, stating, "Having Shohei back is a huge boost for our offense."
Fans are eager to see how both teams perform, especially with playoff implications on the line.
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the competitiveness of this matchup.
The Reds have won 4 of their last 5 games, showing strong offensive and defensive performance.
The Dodgers are currently on a 5-game winning streak, demonstrating their resilience and depth.
In their last series against the Brewers, the Reds outscored their opponents 20-12 over three games.
What's next: After this series, the Reds will travel to Cincinnati for another set of games against the Dodgers.
The Reds will need to adjust their strategy based on how the first series plays out, especially concerning their pitching rotation.
The Dodgers will look to maintain their winning momentum and capitalize on any mistakes made by the Reds.
Fans can expect intense competition as both teams gear up for what could be a playoff preview.