The Cincinnati Reds (68-63) face the Los Angeles Dodgers (74-57) tonight, August 25, 2025, at 10:10 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Broadcast on ESPN, this National League matchup kicks off a pivotal three-game series with playoff implications. The Reds are 1.5 games back of the final NL Wild Card spot, while the Dodgers are tied atop the NL West. With a compelling pitching duel and contrasting team dynamics, this game offers intriguing betting opportunities.
Pitching Matchup
- Cincinnati Reds: Hunter Greene (5-3, 2.63 ERA)
Greene, a Los Angeles native, returns to his hometown with a stellar 2.63 ERA over 72 2/3 innings in 13 starts. In his last outing against the Angels, he posted a 4.26 ERA, allowing three earned runs with 12 strikeouts and no walks, showcasing his elite strikeout ability (10.0 K/9). Greene has a 1.96 ERA in his last seven starts, and his 0.93 WHIP ranks among the league’s best. He’s gone over 17.5 outs in 10 of his 13 starts, averaging 18.7 outs. However, the Dodgers’ potent offense (.253 BA, 3rd in NL) will test his high-velocity approach. - Los Angeles Dodgers: Emmet Sheehan (4-2, 4.17 ERA)
Sheehan, in his eighth start, has a 4.17 ERA over 41 2/3 innings. His last outing against the Rockies saw him allow four earned runs in six innings (6.00 ERA), with seven strikeouts and two walks. Sheehan averages 9.7 K/9 but has no quality starts this season and averages just 4.6 innings per outing. Opponents hit .234 against him, and his 1.24 WHIP suggests control issues. Facing a Reds lineup that strikes out 8.5 times per game, Sheehan’s strikeout prop (5.5, +120) is enticing, though his inconsistency is a concern.
Team Analysis
Cincinnati Reds
- Offense: The Reds rank 11th in MLB with 593 runs (4.5 per game) and 23rd with 128 home runs. Their .247 batting average (16th) and .317 OBP (15th) are middling, but Elly De La Cruz (19 HR, 77 RBI, 31 SB) is heating up, with doubles in back-to-back games and improved plate discipline. Spencer Steer (2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI in their last game) and Miguel Andujar provide pop. The Reds’ 8.5 K/game could be exploited by Sheehan’s strikeout ability, but their resilience (no sweeps in 35 series) makes them dangerous underdogs.
- Pitching: Cincinnati’s staff has a 3.81 ERA (10th) and 1.23 WHIP (9th). Their bullpen is reliable (68% save rate, 9th), but injuries to key arms like Nick Lodolo (finger), Chase Burns (elbow), and others strain their depth. Greene’s dominance gives them an edge, but they’ve allowed 71 HRs, a concern against the Dodgers’ power bats (196 HR, 2nd in MLB).
- Recent Form: The Reds are 3-3 on their current nine-game road trip, coming off a 6-1 win over the Diamondbacks, led by Steer’s offensive output and Graham Ashcraft’s relief work. They’re 32-34 on the road and 14-16 as underdogs at +122 or worse, with a 69-59 ATS record.
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Offense: The Dodgers lead MLB with 676 runs (5.2 per game) and rank 2nd with 196 home runs. Their .253 batting average (7th), .330 OBP (3rd), and .440 SLG (2nd) reflect a powerhouse lineup. Shohei Ohtani (45 HR, 84 RBI, .619 SLG) is a force, and Freddie Freeman (2-for-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI in their last game) is on a tear (12-for-37, 4 HR, 9 RBI over 10 games). Mookie Betts (.248 BA, 13 HR) adds depth. The Dodgers’ 8.5 K/game is average, but Greene’s high-velocity stuff could keep them off balance.
- Pitching: The Dodgers’ staff has a 4.14 ERA (18th) and 1.30 WHIP (19th). Their bullpen has been inconsistent, and injuries to Tyler Glasnow (shoulder), Tony Gonsolin (elbow), and others deplete their depth. Sheehan’s short outings put pressure on the relief corps, but their home dominance (41-24) mitigates concerns.
- Recent Form: The Dodgers are 6-4 in their last 10 games, coming off an 8-2 win over the Padres, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto dealing. They’re 41-24 at home and 53-37 as favorites at -142 or better, but only 4-6 ATS in their last 10.
Key Betting Trends
- The Reds have covered the run line in each of their last eight games against the Dodgers.
- The Dodgers are 41-24 at home but only 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games.
- Six of the Reds’ last seven games against NL West opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The Dodgers have gone OVER the total in 4 of their last 10 games.
- The Reds are 18-15 as underdogs in their last 33 games.
- Dodger Stadium is pitcher-friendly (0.940 runs factor, 8th in MLB), but its 1.122 HR factor favors power hitters.
Injuries
- Reds: Tyler Stephenson (10-day IL, thumb), Nick Lodolo (15-day IL, finger), Chase Burns (15-day IL, elbow), Ian Gibaut (60-day IL, shoulder), others.
- Dodgers: Tyler Glasnow (60-day IL, shoulder), Tony Gonsolin (60-day IL, elbow), Emmet Sheehan (60-day IL, forearm, but starting tonight), others.
Weather
- Forecast: 70°F, 60% humidity, 5 mph wind, 0% precipitation. Night conditions and Dodger Stadium’s marine layer favor pitchers, potentially suppressing fly balls.
Wrap-Up
This game hinges on the pitching duel. Hunter Greene’s 2.63 ERA and elite strikeout stuff give the Reds an edge over Sheehan’s 4.17 ERA and his inconsistent outings. The Reds’ resilience (no sweeps in 35 series) and strong ATS record against the Dodgers make them a live underdog. However, the Dodgers’ offensive firepower, led by Ohtani and Freeman, thrives at home, and their 41-24 home record is daunting. Dodger Stadium’s pitcher-friendly environment and recent UNDER trends for both teams suggest a lower-scoring game.