Reds Ready for Rays: Martinez Gets the Nod in Key Homestand Opener

The Cincinnati Reds are coming off a complete game gem by Nick Lodolo and a milestone-breaking road win in D.C.—and now they return to Great American Ball Park for a three-game set with the Tampa Bay Rays starting Friday night.

Nick Martinez (8-9, 4.73 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Reds, who are tied with the Rays at 53-50 in their respective divisions. Martinez will be looking to build on Cincinnati’s momentum and help the Reds continue their streak of series success at home.

Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte have been red-hot at the plate, while the Rays come in trying to snap a four-game road losing streak. Tampa counters with Zack Littell (8-7, 3.53 ERA), a steady arm who will have his hands full against a Reds team that thrives when its bats get going early.

With playoff implications heating up and the trade deadline looming, every game counts. And if recent form is any indicator, these two clubs are ready to slug it out under the Ohio lights.