The Cincinnati Reds face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second game of their three-game series on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 8:10 PM EDT at Chase Field in Phoenix. After a tight 4-3 Reds win in the series opener, the Diamondbacks aim to even the score in this NL matchup. Fans seeking a winning edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring player insights, pitching matchups, and a prediction—unlock more game-changing tips with our exclusive MLB strategies now!
Cincinnati Reds
- 2025 Record (as of August 22): 62-65, 3rd in NL Central
- Performance Overview: The Reds are 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.6 runs/game with a .248 batting average and a 4.05 ERA. Elly De La Cruz’s .260 BA and 60 SB lead the offense, but injuries to players like Matt McLain (shoulder) and Hunter Greene (elbow) challenge their depth.
- Strengths: Elite speed (182 SB, 1st in MLB) and a solid bullpen (3.50 ERA in August).
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent starting pitching (4.20 ERA on the road) and a 29-33 road record.
- Player to Watch: Elly De La Cruz (SS) – His .260 BA, 22 HRs, and 60 SB, with a stolen base in the opener, make him a dynamic catalyst.
Arizona Diamondbacks
- 2025 Record (as of August 22): 68-59, 2nd in NL West
- Performance Overview: The Diamondbacks are 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.9 runs/game with a .255 batting average and a 3.90 ERA. Corbin Carroll’s 18 HRs and Joc Pederson’s 21 HRs power the offense, though injuries to Ketel Marte (ankle) and Zac Gallen (hamstring) hurt their lineup.
- Strengths: Balanced offense (.322 OBP, 10th in MLB) and a strong home record (36-26).
- Weaknesses: Bullpen struggles (4.00 ERA in August) and injury-hit rotation.
- Player to Watch: Corbin Carroll (RF) – His 18 HRs, 55 RBI, and 28 SB, with a triple in the opener, make him a versatile threat.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Reds lead the 2025 season series 1-0 after a 4-3 win on August 22. Historically, the Reds have won 9 of 16 games against the Diamondbacks from 1998 to 2003, including six straight from 1999 to 2001.
- Recent Encounter: On August 22, 2025, the Reds won 4-3, with De La Cruz’s stolen base and Spencer Steer’s 2 RBI outpacing Arizona’s late rally.
- Key Insight: The Reds’ speed and bullpen strength give them an edge, but Arizona’s power bats and home-field advantage keep them competitive.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reds | Nick Martinez (RHP) | 6-6 | 3.75 | 132.0 | 110 | 1.15 |
| Diamondbacks | Merrill Kelly (RHP) | 8-5 | 3.65 | 141.2 | 120 | 1.22 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Nick Martinez (Reds)
- Strengths: Versatile pitcher with a 3.75 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, effective in both starting and relief roles, with a 3.50 ERA on the road.
- Negatives: Limited experience against Arizona (2.1 IP, 2 ER in 2024) and occasional struggles with power hitters (1.0 HR/9).
- Merrill Kelly (Diamondbacks)
- Strengths: Reliable command (1.22 WHIP), a 3.65 ERA, and a 3.40 ERA at home, with a fastball-curveball mix that stifles contact hitters.
- Negatives: Recent inconsistency (4 ER in 6 IP vs. Reds in May) could be exploited by De La Cruz’s speed and Steer’s power.
Key Players to Monitor
- Cincinnati Reds:
- Elly De La Cruz (SS): .260 BA, 22 HRs, 60 SB, a speed-power threat with a stolen base in the opener.
- Spencer Steer (LF): 17 HRs, 70 RBI, clutch with 2 RBI in the opener.
- Jonathan India (2B): .275 BA, 30 doubles, hitting .320 in last 10 games.
- Arizona Diamondbacks:
- Corbin Carroll (RF): 18 HRs, 55 RBI, 28 SB, dynamic with a triple in the opener.
- Joc Pederson (DH): 21 HRs, 60 RBI, .265 BA, a power threat at home.
- Christian Walker (1B): 20 HRs, 65 RBI, hit .290 in last 7 games.
Recent Performance
- Cincinnati Reds: At 62-65, the Reds are 5-5 in their last 10, scoring 46 runs while allowing 44, with their speed and bullpen driving wins.
- Arizona Diamondbacks: At 68-59, the Diamondbacks are 6-4 in their last 10, scoring 49 runs and allowing 42, with their offense thriving at home.
Critical Factors
- Venue: Chase Field’s hitter-friendly dimensions (4.20 park ERA) favor Arizona’s power bats but also Cincinnati’s speed-driven offense.
- Weather: Indoors at Chase Field, ensuring consistent conditions with no weather impact.
- Momentum: The Reds’ series-opening win and historical edge (9-7 vs. Arizona) contrast with the Diamondbacks’ 6-4 run and home-field strength.
- Betting Odds: Diamondbacks favored at -130, with over/under at 8.5, reflecting their home advantage and run potential.
Prediction
The Arizona Diamondbacks have a slight edge in this matchup, driven by Merrill Kelly’s strong 3.65 ERA and home dominance against Martinez’s 3.75 ERA. The Reds’ speed, led by De La Cruz, could disrupt Arizona’s defense, but the Diamondbacks’ power bats, sparked by Carroll and Pederson, should capitalize on Chase Field’s dimensions. Arizona’s bullpen should hold off a late Reds rally.
Final Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks win, 6-4. Carroll drives in a key run, and Kelly grinds through six innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Arizona Diamondbacks (-130) – Kelly’s reliability and home-field advantage make Arizona a solid pick.
- Over 8.5 Runs – Both teams’ hitting and Chase Field’s hitter-friendly setup suggest a high-scoring game.
- Corbin Carroll to Record an RBI (+160) – His 18 HRs and recent triple offer strong value against Martinez.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 22, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on ARID or BSOH.
