The Milwaukee Brewers are set to clash with the Cincinnati Reds in a crucial four-game series on the road, their final encounters this season. This series includes a doubleheader on Friday, a makeup for a game postponed earlier in April due to rain. For fans wondering Where To Watch Milwaukee Brewers Vs Cincinnati Reds, this guide provides all the essential details.
The Cincinnati Reds enter this series following a disappointing 2-1 series loss to the Oakland Athletics. Despite a dramatic ninth-inning walk-off victory in the final game, the Reds had already dropped the first two. Their August record stands at 12-14, and in the second half of the season, they are 16-20, effectively falling out of playoff contention. They are currently trailing by 13 1/2 games in the NL Central and 9 1/2 games for the final Wild Card spot.
Historically this season, the Brewers have dominated the Reds, holding a 6-3 advantage. Each of their previous series concluded with a 2-1 victory for Milwaukee. Their first meeting in Cincinnati in early April saw the Brewers take two out of three games. Two months later in Milwaukee, the Brewers repeated the 2-1 series win. Their most recent series in early August followed the same pattern.
Cincinnati’s roster has been significantly impacted by injuries since their last matchup with the Brewers. A string of players have been placed on the injured list, including key pitchers and position players:
- RHP Hunter Greene (8/14, right elbow soreness) – Return date TBD
- RHP Christian Roa (8/19, right shoulder sprain) – Out for the season
- 3B Jeimer Candelario (8/20, left big toe fracture) – Return date TBD
- CF Jake Fraley (8/22, right knee sprain) – Expected return 8/31
- LHP Andrew Abbott (8/23, left shoulder sprain) – Expected return in September
- LHP Nick Lodolo (8/24, left middle finger sprain) – May return late September
- OF Stuart Fairchild (8/26, torn left thumb ligament) – Out for the season
These injuries are just from the period since their last series against Milwaukee. Adding to their woes, nine other players are already on the injured list, further depleting their roster. While some are expected to return this season, others are sidelined for the year.
Despite the injury setbacks, the Reds still possess offensive threats. Elly De La Cruz spearheads their offense with an impressive 22 home runs and 61 stolen bases. Spencer Steer and Tyler Stephenson also pose significant threats at the plate, with 19 and 17 home runs respectively. Santiago Espinal is another player to watch, demonstrating strong performance since the All-Star break, batting .405/.436/.581 with a 179 wRC+.
However, the injuries have severely strained the Reds’ pitching rotation. Four of their starters with 15 or more starts this season are currently on the injured list. Adding to the complexity, Frankie Montas, another pitcher who has started games for them, is now with the Brewers after a trade. While they have starters lined up for Friday’s doubleheader, their pitching plans beyond that remain uncertain. Potential starters or inning-eaters include Carson Spiers and Jakob Junis. Brandon Leibrandt was recently added before Thursday’s game but pitched 2 1/3 innings in that game already.
The Reds might find some relief with the September 1 roster expansion, allowing each team to add one pitcher and one position player from their 40-man roster. Randy Wynne and Justus Sheffield are potential call-up options from Triple-A.
Weather conditions could also play a role in this series. Friday’s forecast in Cincinnati predicts a high of 98°F with a heat index exceeding 100°F. Saturday is expected to be cooler but with rain chances throughout the day. Sunday will remain hot with a projected high of 88°F but with reduced humidity.
Probable Pitchers and Game Schedule for Brewers vs Reds Series:
For fans planning where to watch Milwaukee Brewers vs Cincinnati Reds, here’s a detailed look at the game schedule and probable pitching matchups:
Game 1: Friday, August 30 @ 11:40 a.m. ET
- Pitching Matchup: Colin Rea (Brewers) vs. Nick Martinez (Reds)
- How to Watch: Bally Sports Wisconsin (Brewers), Bally Sports Ohio (Reds), MLB.TV (out-of-market). Check your local listings for regional sports networks and streaming options.
Colin Rea has shown inconsistency in August but has also delivered strong scoreless starts, often pitching deep into games. His previous start against the Reds this season saw him allow three runs (two earned) over six innings on June 16.
Nick Martinez has transitioned between the bullpen and rotation for the Reds but is currently a key healthy starter. The Brewers faced him on August 10 where he pitched seven scoreless innings in a 1-0 Reds victory. The Reds will need him to pitch deep into this game, especially in the doubleheader context.
Game 2: Friday, August 30 @ 5:40 p.m. ET
- Pitching Matchup: TBD (Brewers – likely DL Hall) vs. Rhett Lowder (Reds – MLB Debut)
- How to Watch: Bally Sports Wisconsin (Brewers), Bally Sports Ohio (Reds), MLB.TV (out-of-market). Consult your local TV listings and streaming services for game availability.
The Brewers are expected to start DL Hall in the second game, although it’s not officially confirmed. Hall last started against the Reds on August 11, allowing three runs in 4 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts.
Rhett Lowder, a top prospect for the Reds (#2 in the organization, #35 overall by MLB.com), is expected to make his MLB debut in this game. Lowder, at 22, has rapidly progressed through the minor leagues and features a fastball in the 92-95 MPH range, complemented by a strong changeup and slider.
Game 3: Saturday, August 31 @ 6:15 p.m. ET
- Pitching Matchup: Frankie Montas (Brewers) vs. TBD (Reds)
- How to Watch: FOX (National TV Broadcast), Bally Sports Wisconsin (Brewers), Bally Sports Ohio (Reds). National broadcasts can sometimes be exclusive, so confirm FOX’s coverage in your area and local listings for regional options.
Frankie Montas has shown improved performance since joining the Brewers, with a 3.33 ERA and 3.17 FIP in Milwaukee.
Game 4: Sunday, September 1 @ 11:10 a.m. ET
- Pitching Matchup: Tobias Myers (Brewers) vs. TBD (Reds)
- How to Watch: Bally Sports Wisconsin (Brewers), Bally Sports Ohio (Reds), MLB.TV (out-of-market). Check local listings to find where to watch Milwaukee Brewers vs Cincinnati Reds in your region.
Tobias Myers has been a consistent performer for the Brewers, although August has presented some challenges. His best start in August was against the Reds on August 10, where he pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings.
Prediction
Considering the Reds’ significant injury list and weakened roster, the Brewers are clearly favored in this series. Cincinnati is struggling to stay competitive, while Milwaukee is aiming to solidify their position. Although the Reds will likely compete hard, the Brewers have a distinct advantage. A series win for the Brewers is the most probable outcome.
Series Prediction: Brewers win 3-1.
For fans looking to watch Milwaukee Brewers vs Cincinnati Reds, ensure to check your local TV listings and streaming services to confirm game times and availability in your area. Enjoy the series!
