The Cincinnati Reds are gearing up for tonight’s game with Nick Martinez taking the mound, as the team looks to build momentum in the playoff chase. With a 51-47 record, the Reds are 7.5 games behind division leaders, making every start crucial for their postseason hopes.
Martinez, who boasts a 4.78 ERA, faces the challenge of stabilizing a bullpen that has shown inconsistency. The Reds’ offense, fresh off a 14-8 rout of the Pirates, will need to deliver another strong performance to support their pitching staff.
As the bullpen’s workload remains a concern, Martinez’s ability to pitch deep into the game could be the key to securing a victory tonight.
- Cincinnati Reds’ pitching staff features Nick Martinez (ERA 4.78) and a bullpen that allowed 8 runs in their recent 14-8 win over the Pirates.
- The Reds are currently 7.5 games behind division leaders, with playoff hopes hinging on consistent offensive production and bullpen improvement.
- Against left-handed hitters, Reds pitchers have held opponents to a .161 average, but right-handers are hitting .288, highlighting a platoon disparity.
Community Reactions
- 匿名キュウリ (2025-08-17)
Fantasy rankings are a joke. None of these 'top pitchers' could survive the Reds’ lineup right now.
- 匿名オリーブ (2025-08-17)
Meanwhile, the Nationals’ bullpen is a dumpster fire. At least the Reds have hope. 🤷♂️
- 匿名ベーコン (2025-08-17)
Reds fan here. Tonight’s starter better have ice in his veins or we’re toast. Bullpen’s a ticking time bomb.
- 匿名タマネギ (2025-08-17)
Ticking time bomb? More like already exploded. 14 runs won’t cover for that mess every game.
- 匿名タマネギ (2025-08-17)
Reds Score Update: Who’s Pitching Tonight and How’s the Bullpen Holding Up?
Who’s starting for the Reds tonight? Expected pitcher stats and matchups
The Cincinnati Reds are expected to send Nick Martinez to the mound for tonight’s crucial game against the Phillies. Martinez has been inconsistent this season, carrying a 4.78 ERA through 19 starts, but has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 7-4 victory in May where he significantly eased the bullpen’s workload.
Martinez will face a tough Phillies lineup that’s been hot recently. His ability to go deep into games will be crucial, as the Reds’ bullpen has been overworked in recent weeks. The right-hander’s last outing saw him surrender 4 runs in 5 innings, but he’s historically pitched better at home.
Key factors for Martinez’s success tonight
- First-pitch strikes (career 62% rate)
- Slider effectiveness against right-handed batters
- Run support from Reds’ surging offense
Bullpen report: How fresh are the Reds relievers after recent workload?
The Reds bullpen enters tonight’s game with several key arms potentially unavailable. In their recent 14-8 thrashing of the Pirates, the team used four relievers, with Alexis Diaz throwing 28 pitches in a non-save situation. This comes after a stretch where the bullpen was taxed during a tough road trip.
| Pitcher | Last Appearance | Pitches | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexis Diaz | 8/16 | 28 | Limited |
| Lucas Sims | 8/15 | 19 | Available |
| Buck Farmer | 8/14 | 32 | Likely |
Playoff implications: Can Reds capitalize on Mets’ loss to Mariners?
With the Mets losing 3-1 to the Mariners last night, the Reds now sit just 1.5 games back in the Wild Card race. This makes every game crucial as they enter a tough stretch against playoff contenders. The team’s recent offensive explosion (14 runs vs Pittsburgh) shows they have the firepower to compete.
The Reds have won 7 of their last 10 and continue to get strong contributions from young stars like Noelvi Marte and Spencer Steer. Marte in particular has been on fire, batting .340 with power since the All-Star break. If the pitching can hold up, this team has a legitimate shot at October baseball.
What time is the Reds game tonight? TV and streaming options
Tonight’s Reds-Phillies matchup is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST at Great American Ball Park. The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Ohio and available for streaming on MLB.TV (blackout restrictions apply). For radio listeners, the broadcast can be found on WLW 700 AM.
With school starting soon in many areas, the Reds have seen increased viewership in early evening games as families are able to watch together before bedtime. The team’s exciting young core and playoff push has also boosted ratings significantly compared to last season.
Who’s hot and who’s not in the Reds lineup?
Offensively, the Reds are rolling right now with multiple players on hot streaks:
Hot Hitters
- Noelvi Marte: .340/.402/.580 in August
- Spencer Steer: 11 RBIs in last 7 games
- Elly De La Cruz: 5 stolen bases in last 10 games
Cold Hitters
- Jonathan India: .210 avg since ASG
- Tyler Stephenson: Just 2 XBH in August
Injury updates: Any key players returning soon?
The Reds continue to monitor several players dealing with injuries:
- Hunter Greene (forearm tightness): Threw bullpen session, could return next week
- Nick Lodolo (blister): Played catch yesterday, status uncertain
- TJ Friedl (hamstring): Began rehab assignment in Louisville
The potential return of Greene would be huge for the rotation as the team makes its playoff push. His power arm changes the entire dynamic of the pitching staff and would allow Martinez to potentially shift to a bullpen role where he’s had success in the past.
Fantasy baseball impact: Should you start Reds pitchers?
For fantasy owners, the Reds present some intriguing options but also risks:
| Player | Start/Sit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Martinez | Risky Start | Tough matchup but run support potential |
| Alexis Diaz | Start | Closer getting regular opportunities |
| Andrew Abbott | Start | Strong second half performance |
Reds’ bullpen is looking shaky lately, but Marte and Steer’s offense is carrying them hard. Still, 1.5 games behind the Wild Card is doable if they fix the pitching. 😅
Fix the pitching? Bro, their relievers are throwing batting practice. No way they catch the Mets like this.
Agreed. Without better arms, even Marte’s hot streak won’t save them. Phillies series will expose them.
Who cares about the Reds? The Guardians just wrecked the Marlins with elite pitching. That’s how you win in August.
Reds fan here. Tonight’s starter better have ice in his veins or we’re toast. Bullpen’s a ticking time bomb.
Ticking time bomb? More like already exploded. 14 runs won’t cover for that mess every game.
Meanwhile, the Nationals’ bullpen is a dumpster fire. At least the Reds have hope. 🤷♂️
Fantasy rankings are a joke. None of these ‘top pitchers’ could survive the Reds’ lineup right now.