Reds Face Dodgers in NL Wild Card Series with Playoff Drought at Stake

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds are set to face off in the 2025 MLB Wild Card series, with the Dodgers favored due to their dominant regular-season record against the Reds, winning six of eight matchups and outscoring them 28-10. The Reds, however, have shown momentum late in the season, fueled by a strong pitching rotation led by Hunter Greene, who boasts a powerful fastball and sharp slider, making him a significant threat in Game 1. Despite the Dodgers' bullpen struggles and the absence of Clayton Kershaw, their offense, featuring players like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, has historically performed well against Cincinnati, which struggled offensively against them this year. The Reds' hope for an upset hinges on strong starting pitching performances from Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott, aiming to contain the Dodgers' potent lineup. Historical context adds intrigue, as postseason formats have evolved, and both teams are striving to break long-standing droughts and past frustrations. Overall, while the Dodgers hold the edge, the Reds' recent form and pitching depth create a compelling postseason matchup.