Cincinnati Reds Wiretap

The Chicago White Sox selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick Saturday, taking the consensus top prospect in this year's class despite late buzz around Grady Emerson and Vahn Lackey. Cholowsky posted a 1.088 OPS during his junior season and profiles as a well-rounded shortstop with a fast track to the majors.

The Tampa Bay Rays followed by selecting Fort Worth Christian High School shortstop Grady Emerson, the top-ranked high school position player in the draft. Emerson earned Gatorade National Player of the Year honors and fills a need for a Rays organization still searching for stability at shortstop.

The Minnesota Twins took Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey third overall after he hit .397 with 20 home runs this season, continuing the school's pipeline of first-round catchers.

The San Francisco Giants then selected UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora fourth, the top pitching prospect in a class considered thin on arms.

The Pittsburgh Pirates rounded out the top five by taking LSU outfielder Derek Curiel, a draft-eligible sophomore who batted .353 with strong instincts in center field.

2026 MLB Draft Results

First Round

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA
2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (Texas)
3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech
4. San Francisco Giants: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Derek Curiel, CF, LSU
6. Kansas City Royals: Zion Rose, LF, Louisville
7. Baltimore Orioles: Eric Booth Jr., CF, Oak Grove HS (Mississippi)
8. Athletics: Drew Burress, CF, Georgia Tech
9. Atlanta Braves: AJ Gracia, CF, Virginia
10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky
11. Washington Nationals: Chris Hacopian, 2B, Texas A&M
12. Los Angeles Angels: Jared Grindlinger, RF/LHP, Huntington Beach HS (California)
13. St. Louis Cardinals: Trevor Condon, CF, Etowah HS (Georgia)
14. Miami Marlins: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (Florida)
15. Arizona Diamondbacks: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas
16. Texas Rangers: Gio Rojas, LHP, Stoneman Douglas HS (Florida)
17. Houston Astros: Logan Hughes, LF, Texas Tech
18. Cincinnati Reds: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama
19. Cleveland Guardians: Liam Peterson, RHP, Florida
20. Boston Red Sox: Jake Schaffner, SS, North Carolina
21. San Diego Padres: Coleman Borthwick, RHP, South Walton HS (Florida)
22. Detroit Tigers: Cameron Flukey, RHP, Coastal Carolina
23. Chicago Cubs: Cade Townsend, RHP, Mississippi
24. Seattle Mariners: Ace Reese, 3B, Mississippi State
25. Milwaukee Brewers: Trey Ebel, SS, Corona HS (California)
26. Atlanta Braves: Carter Beck, CF, Indiana State
27. New York Mets: Carson Wiggins, RHP, Arkansas
28. Houston Astros: Jack Radel, RHP, Notre Dame
29. San Francisco Giants: Carson Bolemon, LHP, Southside Christian HS (South Carolina)
30. Kansas City Royals: Taylor Rabe, RHP, Mississippi
31. Arizona Diamondbacks: Blake Bryant, RHP, Citizen's Christian HS (Georgia)
32. St. Louis Cardinals: Tegan Kuhns, RHP, Tennessee
33. Tampa Bay Rays: Taj Marchand, SS, James Island Charter HS (South Carolina)
34. Chicago White Sox: Landon Thome, SS, Nazareth Academy HS (Illinois)
35. New York Yankees: Hunter Dietz, LHP, Arkansas
36. Philadelphia Phillies: Tyler Spangler, SS, De La Salle HS (California)
37. Colorado Rockies: Daniel Jackson, C, Georgia

Second Round

38. Colorado Rockies: Logan Reddemann, RHP, UCLA
39. Toronto Blue Jays: Cole Carlon, LHP, Arizona State
40. Los Angeles Dodgers: Bo Lowrance, 3B, Christ Church Episcopal HS (South Carolina)
41. Chicago White Sox: Cole Prosek, 3B/C, Magnolia Heights HS (Mississippi)
42. Washington Nationals: Chase Brunson, OF, TCU
43. Minnesota Twins: Carson Tinney, C, Texas
44. Pittsburgh Pirates: Aiden Ruiz, SS, The Stony Brook HS
45. Los Angeles Angels: Jarren Advincula, 2B, Georgia Tech
46. Baltimore Orioles: Ty Head, OF, North Carolina State
47. Athletics: Mason Edwards, P, USC
48. Atlanta Braves: Kaiden McCarthy, P, Vermont Academy
49. Tampa Bay Rays: Ben Blair, P, Liberty
50. St. Louis Cardinals: Rocco Maniscalco, SS, Oxford HS
51. Pittsburgh Pirates: Chris Rembert, 2B, Auburn
52. Miami Marlins: Ethan Kleinschmit, P, Oregon State
53. Arizona Diamondbacks: Carson Kerce, SS, Georgia Tech
54. Texas Rangers: Connor Comeau, 3B, Anderson HS (Texas)
55. San Francisco Giants: Kaden Waechter, P, Jesuit HS (Florida)
56. Kansas City Royals: Jack Slightom, P, Lyons Township HS (Illinois)
57. Houston Astros: Wes Mendes, P, Florida State
58. Cincinnati Reds: Eric Becker, 3B, Virginia
59. Cleveland Guardians: Logan Schmidt, P, Ganesha HS (California)
60. San Diego Padres: Elliot Lascelles, SS, Upper Canada College HS
61. Detroit Tigers: Tyson LeBlanc, SS, Kansas
62. Chicago Cubs: Caden Sorrell, OF, Texas A&M
63. New York Yankees: Sean Duncan, P, Terry Fox SS (Canada)
64. Philadelphia Phillies: Caden Bogenpohl, OF, Missouri State
65. Seattle Mariners: Jake Brown, OF, LSU
66. Milwaukee Brewers: Sawyer Strosnider, OF, TCU

Competitive Balance Round B

67. Boston Red Sox: Owen Hull, OF, North Carolina
68. St. Louis Cardinals: Andrew Williamson, OF, Central Florida
69. Detroit Tigers: Evan Dempsey, P, Florida Gulf Coast
70. Cincinnati Reds: Mulivai Levu, 1B, UCLA
71. Miami Marlins: Ryan Peterson, P, Sam Houston State
72. St. Louis Cardinals: Dawson, Montesa P, West Virginia
73. Athletics: Gabe Gaeckle, P, Arkansas
74. Minnesota Twins: Brett Renfrow, P, Virginia Tech

Compensation Picks

75. Chicago Cubs: Myles Bailey, 1B, Florida State

Third Round

76. Colorado Rockies: Jack Natili, C, Cincinnati
77. Chicago White Sox: Joey Volchko, P, Georgia
78. Washington Nationals: Luke Williams SS, Franklin Regional HS (Pennsylvania)
79. Minnesota Twins: Ethan Wachsmann, P, Grandview HS (Colorado)
80. Pittsburgh Pirates: Jason DeCaro, P, North Carolina
81. Los Angeles Angels: Gavin Grahovac, 3B, Texas A&M
82. Baltimore Orioles: Dominic Voegele, P, Kansas
83. Athletics: Jacob Dudan, P, North Carolina State
84. Atlanta Braves: Jensen Hirschkorn, P, Kingsburg HS (California)
85. Tampa Bay Rays: Gavin Giese, P, Dana Hills HS (California)
86. St. Louis Cardinals: Caden Ferraro OF, Texas Tech
87. Miami Marlins: Cam Kozeal SS, Arkansas
88. Arizona Diamondbacks: Brayden Dowd OF, Florida State
89. Texas Rangers: Brody Bumila P, Bishop Feehan HS (Mass.)
90. San Francisco Giants: Peyton Bonds OF, Rutgers
91. Kansas City Royals: Maxx Yehl P, West Virginia
92. New York Mets: Aiden Robbins OF, Texas
93. Houston Astros: Keon Johnson SS, First Presbyterian HS (Georgia)
94. Cincinnati Reds: Ty Horn P, Nebraska
95. Cleveland Guardians: Tre Broussard, OF, Houston
96. Boston Red Sox: Jace Mataczynski, SS, Hudson HS (Wisconsin)
97. San Diego Padres: Ryan Lynch, P, North Carolina
98. Chicago Cubs: Carson Jasa, P, Nebraska
99. New York Yankees: Brendan Brock, C, Oklahoma
100. Philadelphia Phillies: Ruger Riojas, P, Texas
101. Seattle Mariners: Nathan Taylor, P, Cincinnati
102. Milwaukee Brewers: Kyle Jones, OF, Florida
103. Toronto Blue Jays: Ryan Cooney, SS, Oregon

Fourth Round

104. Colorado Rockies: Ben Davis, P, Mississippi State
105. Chicago White Sox: Eric Segura, P, Oregon State
106. Washington Nationals: Cooper Harris, P, Flower Mound HS (Texas)
107. Minnesota Twins: Tommy LaPour, P, TCU
108. Pittsburgh Pirates: Andruw Giles, OF, Basic HS (Nevada)
109. Los Angeles Angels: Rylan Lujo, OF, Georgia
110. Baltimore Orioles: Kevin Roberts Jr., OF, Jackson Prep HS (Mississippi)
111. Athletics: Roman Martin, SS, UCLA
112. Atlanta Braves: Cole Dennis, P, Bishop Snyder HS (Florida)
113. Tampa Bay Rays: Collin Bland, OF, Houston HS
114. St. Louis Cardinals: Dee Kennedy, SS, Kansas State
115. Miami Marlins: Wessley Roberson, OF, Glynn Academy HS (Georgia)
116. Arizona Diamondbacks: Josh McDevitt, P, Missouri
117. Texas Rangers: Hudson Calhoun, P, Mississippi
118. San Francisco Giants: Carlos Martinez, P, Hofstra
119. Kansas City Royals: Dominic Battista, OF, Oswego East HS (Illinois)
120. New York Mets: Shane Sdao, P, Texas A&M
121. Houston Astros: Kam Durnin, SS, Missouri
122. Cincinnati Reds: Ethan Norby, P, East Carolina
123. Cleveland Guardians: Kade Lewis, 3B, Wake Forest
124. San Diego Padres: Robbie Lavey, C, George Washington
125. Detroit Tigers: Dominic Pellegrin, SS, Holy Cross HS (Louisiana)
126. Chicago Cubs: Dylan Marionneaux, P, Northwestern State
127. New York Yankees: Paul Contreras, OF, Cal State Fullerton
128. Philadelphia Phillies: Deven Sheerin, P, LSU
129. Seattle Mariners: Trevor Lucas 3B, UNC Wilmington
130. Milwaukee Brewers: Julian Garcia, P, St. John Bosco HS (California)
131. Toronto Blue Jays: Will Brick, C, Christian Brothers HS (Tennessee)
132. Los Angeles Dodgers: Russell Sandefer, P, Florida

Comp Picks

133. Houston Astros: Beau Peterson, 3B, Mill Valley HS (Kansas)
134. San Diego Padres: Alex Conover, OF, Oklahoma State
135. Philadelphia Phillies: Jaxon Jelkin, P, Kentucky

Major League Baseball revealed its 2026 All-Star Game starting lineups Saturday, with Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani topping the fan vote and three teammates joining him in the National League's starting group.

Ohtani will serve as designated hitter for the NL, appearing alongside Freddie Freeman at first base, Max Muncy at third and Andy Pages in the outfield. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Ohtani probably won't pitch in the exhibition after they altered his workload schedule.

Additional NL starters include Juan Soto of the New York Mets, Brandon Marsh of the Philadelphia Phillies, CJ Abrams of the Washington Nationals, and Atlanta Braves duo Ozzie Albies and Drake Baldwin.

American League voting leader Ernie Clement will start alongside fellow Toronto Blue Jays infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr., though Guerrero has since withdrawn from the game. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz will replace him after winning the players' vote at that position.

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers and Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez round out the AL infield and battery. Mike Trout, Aaron Judge and Byron Buxton comprise the American League's starting outfield.

This year's contest takes place July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Fans selected the starters, while a combination of league officials and current players, managers and coaches chose the reserves.

The Dodgers, Braves and Phillies each landed a league-best five All-Stars apiece. Five starters, Langeliers, Clement, Baldwin, Marsh and Pages, earned their first career selections, while Freeman and Chris Sale are making their 10th appearances.

Trout returns for his 12th All-Star nod and first since 2023, currently recovering from a hamstring injury but expected to play. MLB will feature players wearing original team uniforms this year rather than specialized event jerseys.

American League All-Stars

Starters
C: Shea Langeliers (ATH)
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)
2B: Ernie Clement (TOR)
3B: Junior Caminero (TB)
SS: Bobby Witt Jr. (KC)
OF: Mike Trout (LAA)
OF: Byron Buxton (MIN)
OF: Aaron Judge (NYY)
DH: Yordan Alvarez (HOU)

Reserves

C: Dillon Dingler (DET)
C: Adley Rutschman (BAL)
INF: Travis Bazzana (CLE)
INF: Nick Kurtz (ATH)
INF: Kevin McGonigle (DET)
INF: Ben Rice (NYY)
INF: Miguel Vargas (CWS)
OF: Randy Arozarena (SEA)
OF: Cody Bellinger (NYY)
OF: Riley Greene (DET)
DH: Yandy Díaz (TB)

Reserves

C: Dillon Dingler (DET)
C: Adley Rutschman (BAL)
INF: Travis Bazzana (CLE)
INF: Nick Kurtz (ATH)
INF: Kevin McGonigle (DET)
INF: Ben Rice (NYY)
INF: Miguel Vargas (CWS)
OF: Randy Arozarena (SEA)
OF: Cody Bellinger (NYY)
OF: Riley Greene (DET)
DH: Yandy Díaz (TB)

Starting Pitchers

RHP: Dylan Cease (TOR)
LHP: Parker Messick (CLE)
RHP: Drew Rasmussen (TB)
RHP: Joe Ryan (MIN)
RHP: Cam Schlittler (NYY)
LHP: Ranger Suarez (BOS)
RHP: Michael Wacha (KC)

Relief Pitchers

RHP: Bryan Baker (TB)
LHP: Aroldis Chapman (BOS)
LHP: Jacob Latz (TEX)
RHP: Cade Smith (CLE)
RHP: Louis Varland (TOR)

National League All-Stars

Starters
C: Drake Baldwin (ATL)
1B: Freddie Freeman (LAD)
2B: Ozzie Albies (ATL)
3B: Max Muncy (LAD)
SS: CJ Abrams (WSH)
OF: Brandon Marsh (PHI)
OF: Juan Soto (NYM)
OF: Andy Pages (LAD)
DH: Shohei Ohtani (LAD)

Reserves

C: William Contreras (MIL)
C: Hunter Goodman (COL)
INF: Luis Arraez (SF)
INF: Bryce Harper (PHI)
INF: Otto Lopez (MIA)
INF: Matt Olson (ATL)
INF: Sal Stewart (CIN)
OF: Corbin Carroll (AZ)
OF: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC)
OF: Jordan Walker (STL)
OF: James Wood (WSH)
DH: Kyle Schwarber (PHI)

Starting Pitchers

RHP: Chase Burns (CIN)
RHP: Max Meyer (MIA)
RHP: Jacob Misiorowski (MIL)
LHP: Eduardo Rodriguez (AZ)
LHP: Chris Sale (ATL)
LHP: Cristopher Sánchez (PHI)
RHP: Paul Skenes (PIT)
RHP: Logan Webb (SF)
RHP: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD)

Relief Pitchers

RHP: Jhoan Duran (PHI)
RHP: Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
RHP: Mason Miller (SD)
RHP: Dylan Cease (TOR)
LHP: Parker Messick (CLE)
RHP: Drew Rasmussen (TB)
RHP: Joe Ryan (MIN)
RHP: Cam Schlittler (NYY)
LHP: Ranger Suarez (BOS)
RHP: Michael Wacha (KC)

Relief Pitchers

RHP: Bryan Baker (TB)
LHP: Aroldis Chapman (BOS)
LHP: Jacob Latz (TEX)
RHP: Cade Smith (CLE)
RHP: Louis Varland (TOR)

The Cincinnati Reds have moved up their timetable for right-hander Hunter Greene's return, with the team hopeful that their ace can be back on the mound before the All-Star break in July.

Greene, who was the Reds' Opening Day starter in 2023 and 2025, had bone chips removed on March 11. Cincinnati expected him to be sidelined 14 to 16 weeks.

He is scheduled to throw live batting practice Monday, manager Terry Francona told reporters Saturday, and he could soon start a minor league rehab assignment to build up his arm strength.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz left Sunday's 6-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves with right hamstring tightness after reaching first base in the fifth inning and will undergo an MRI on Monday.

De La Cruz singled to right-center off Braves starter Spencer Strider with Cincinnati leading 3-2. The contact would typically have resulted in a double, but De La Cruz stopped at first after visibly grimacing. He walked off the field unassisted following a brief visit from training staff.

"When I was making the turn to get to first, I felt tightness in my hamstring and immediately decided to stop because I felt like if I keep going it could get worse," De La Cruz said through interpreter Tomas Vera.

The injury puts De La Cruz's active games streak in jeopardy. He has appeared in 276 consecutive games, the sixth-longest such run by a Reds player in the expansion era dating to 1961. The streak began July 30, 2024.

Reds manager Terry Francona said the club was cautiously optimistic but would wait for imaging results before drawing conclusions.

"He feels like he caught it before it did anything worse," Francona said. "Saying that, we're going to get him scanned at 9 in the morning and we'll know more."

De La Cruz was 2-for-2 with two runs scored and a walk before exiting. He is batting .280 with 12 home runs this season.

"He's the heart and soul of this team," said Reds left fielder JJ Bleday. "When everyone thinks Reds right now they're thinking Elly De La Cruz. Hopefully it's nothing serious."

De La Cruz expressed measured confidence about the severity of the injury.

"I don't believe it is something bad. I really don't," he said. "We'll see what the MRI says tomorrow. I don't feel that bad. I don't know if I'll be playing tomorrow. I don't like to be out of the game."

Four years after considering retirement, Bryan Torres made it to the major leagues at age 28 and homered for the St. Louis Cardinals in his debut.

"Eleven years to get to here," Torres said, fighting back tears after helping the Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 in the opener of Saturday's doubleheader. "I'm not a homer guy. Today, my debut, it just happened. I've been learning to manage the pressure. When the heart is going too fast, you have to slow things down. I felt a little pounding in my chest today."

Torres, who first played minor league ball in 2015, hit seventh and played left field.

With nearly two months of the 2026 season complete, 22 players from the preseason MLB top 100 prospect list have graduated from eligibility, reshuffling the rankings ahead of what figures to be an active trade deadline season.

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jesus Made, 19, moves to the top spot after posting 90th percentile exit velocities that rank among big league averages despite playing in Double-A. His ability to control the strike zone and his defensive profile stand out, though scouts note his swing produces insufficient lift to translate his raw power into home run totals. If that changes in the second half, a significant ranking jump could follow.

Among the most notable movers is Boston Red Sox shortstop Franklin Arias, who climbs from 36th to sixth after posting improved exit velocity and lift rates while maintaining contact. Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries jumps to second after his profile helped pry All-Star closer Mason Miller from Oakland. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Seth Hernandez rises from 49th to seventh after slider and fastball shape improvements unlocked his ceiling.

Notable graduates from the list include the previous top two prospects, Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle, along with Samuel Basallo, JJ Wetherholt, Bubba Chandler, Carson Benge, Andrew Painter, and Carson Williams, among others.

Seven players currently on active big league rosters remain eligible but could graduate within weeks.

Top-50 MLB Prospects

60FV
1. Jesus Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 3)
2. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (Previous: 11)
3. Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 6)
4. Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers (Previous: 8)
5. Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers (Previous: 5)
6. Franklin Arias, SS, Boston Red Sox (Previous: 36)
7. Seth Hernandez, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 49)
8. Eli Willits, SS, Washington Nationals (Previous: 41)
9. Kade Anderson, LHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 16)
10. George Lombard Jr., SS, New York Yankees (Previous: 20)
11. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 23)
12. Walker Jenkins, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 9)
13. Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 14)
14. A.J. Ewing, CF, New York Mets (Previous: 28)
15. Rainiel Rodriguez, C, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 19)
16. Aidan Miller, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 10)
17. Ryan Sloan, RHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 24)

55 FV
18. Josue De Paula, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 21)
19. Josuar Gonzalez, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 30)
20. Ethan Salas, C, San Diego Padres (Previous: 110)
21. Ryan Waldschmidt, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 63)
22. Thomas White, LHP, Miami Marlins (Previous: 18)
23. Alfredo Duno, C, Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 29)
24. Connor Prielipp, LHP, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 54)
25. Caleb Bonemer, 3B, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 34)
26. Luis Pena, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 26)
27. Ethan Holliday, SS, Colorado Rockies (Previous: 66)
28. Liam Doyle, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 50)
29. Tyler Bremner, RHP, Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 56)
30. Theo Gillen, CF, Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 92)
31. Ralphy Velazquez, 1B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 33)
32. Jett Williams, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 32)
33. JoJo Parker, SS, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 52)
34. Zyhir Hope, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 40)

50 FV
35. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 53)
36. Jonah Tong, RHP, New York Mets (Previous: 31)
37. Noah Schultz, LHP, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 96)
38. Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 79)
39. Angel Genao, SS, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 80)
40. Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 42)
41. Jhonny Level, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 84)
42. Emmanuel Rodriguez, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 97)
43. Josh Hammond, SS, Kansas City Royals (Previous: 132)
44. Edward Florentino, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 78)
45. Eduardo Quintero, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 37)
46. Anthony Eyanson, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Previous: NR)
47. Eduardo Tait, C, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 38)
48. Didier Fuentes, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 88)
49. River Ryan, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 125)
50. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 60)

The Reds signed Brandon Phillips to a ceremonial one-day contract Saturday to ensure the four-time Gold Glove Award winner would retire with the team.

"It was a dream come true," Phillips said. "For me to officially retire, this was the only place I wanted to do it. For this to really happen, this is where I wanted to be. This is my home."

Monday’s series opener will be broadcast locally on Rays.TV (Rays feed) and Reds.TV / WXIX FOX19 (Reds feed). First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Cincinnati Reds (14-8) head to Tropicana Field this Monday, April 20, to open a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (12-9). Cincinnati arrives as the surprise frontrunner of the NL Central, fueled by a dynamic young roster and a penchant for late-inning heroics. Meanwhile, the Rays remain a picture of efficiency, sporting the American League’s highest team batting average (.259) as they look to close the gap in the AL East.

Cincinnati’s offense is centered around the electrifying Elly De La Cruz, who is batting .293 with 6 home runs on the season. The rookie standout Sal Stewart has also been a massive contributor, leading the team with 7 home runs and 10 RBIs. Tampa Bay counters with their own phenom, Junior Caminero, who has slugged three home runs over his last 10 games. Expect a clash of styles as the Reds' aggressive baserunning meets the Rays' clinical approach. Catch every pitch live on Fubo.

The individual matchups feature Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder (2-1, 3.52 ERA), who has quickly become a reliable arm in the rotation. Tampa Bay has yet to officially name a starter, suggesting a potential "bullpen day" or a late-call decision, which is a classic Rays maneuver to keep opposing hitters off-balance. You can witness this interleague clash streaming live on Fubo.

The defining storyline for the Reds is their resilience despite missing ace Hunter Greene. Their ability to steal wins on the road (8-2 road record) has been the talk of the league. For Tampa Bay, the key is navigating an injury-depleted pitching staff while maintaining their high-contact offensive production. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Reds vs. Rays Betting Odds & Predictions

The Rays enter as narrow home favorites. Despite the Reds' superior record, oddsmakers are respecting Tampa Bay's 4-2 home mark and their elite contact metrics at the Trop.

Prediction: Rhett Lowder has shown poise beyond his years, but the Rays' lineup is notoriously difficult to navigate a second and third time through. Expect a high-energy game where the bullpens determine the outcome. Final Score: Rays 5, Reds 4.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the power of Sal Stewart against the Rays' tactical pitching staff. Stewart has been a "stat-stuffer" early this season, anchoring the middle of the Cincinnati order.

*Stats over last 10 games.

Tampa Bay relies on the disciplined approach of Yandy Díaz and the breakout power of Junior Caminero to lead an offense that ranks 1st in the AL in team batting average.

*Stats over last 10 games.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like Rays.TV and Reds.TV, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Reds or Rays.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Reds as they continue their historic run at the top of the division.

Frequently Asked Questions

Major League Baseball's average salary climbed 3.4% to a record $5.34 million on Opening Day, according to an Associated Press study, with the New York Mets topping league payrolls for the fourth consecutive year at $352.2 million.

Mets outfielder Juan Soto remains the sport's highest-paid player for the second straight season at $61.9 million annually, placing him among the highest-compensated athletes across all major North American professional sports. New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger ranks second at $42.5 million, followed by Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler and Mets third baseman Bo Bichette, who are tied at $42 million. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sits fifth at $40.2 million, just ahead of Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge at $40 million.

Across sports, the top of the market is converging. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott carries an average annual value of approximately $60 million in the NFL, while Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry earns $59.6 million in the NBA this season, putting all three leagues within a narrow range at the very top of the pay scale.

The broader salary picture, however, differs considerably by sport. The NBA's average salary for roster players sits just under $14 million during the 2025-26 season, driven by smaller rosters that concentrate league revenue among fewer players. The NFL average was approximately $3.2 million in 2025, reflecting the league's significantly larger rosters. MLB's $5.34 million average falls between the two, though roster sizes in baseball and football are substantially larger than in basketball.

The Los Angeles Dodgers ranked second in MLB payroll at $316.6 million, down slightly from $319.5 million last year. Their figure would rise to $395.2 million without present-value discounting applied to deferred contracts for nine players.

MLB's average salary has grown 28 percent under the current five-year collective bargaining agreement, which expires in December, an average annual increase of 5.6%. Six clubs carried payrolls above $250 million, up from four a year ago, while eight teams fell below $100 million, an increase from five.

The Detroit Tigers posted the largest year-over-year spending increase at $64.2 million, reaching $206.7 million after signing pitcher Framber Valdez and giving a significant raise to ace Tarik Skubal through arbitration. The Minnesota Twins recorded the steepest decline, slashing $46.3 million from its Opening Day payroll to settle at $96.5 million.

The Cleveland Guardians were the MLB's lowest-spending team at $62.3 million, less than one-fifth of the Mets' total outlay.

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The pageantry of professional baseball returns to the Queen City this Thursday as the Boston Red Sox visit the Cincinnati Reds for a high-stakes 2026 Opening Day at Great American Ball Park. While the sports world remains gripped by the final stages of the Sweet 16, the diamond is ready to steal the spotlight with a premier interleague pitching matchup. Fans can catch every strikeout of this national broadcast live on Sling TV.

This Opening Day encounter is a collision of dominant left-handed pitching. The Red Sox hand the ball to 26-year-old ace Garrett Crochet, who is coming off a sensational 2025 campaign where he finished second in AL Cy Young voting. Crochet, known as "The Beast," led the league with 255 strikeouts and established himself as the premier power lefty in the American League. Conversely, the Reds counter with Andrew Abbott, the anchor of a Cincinnati rotation looking to prove that last year’s playoff run was just the beginning. As Boston enters the season with renewed World Series aspirations under Alex Cora, the battle between Crochet’s high-velocity heater and the Reds’ young, aggressive lineup will be the story of the afternoon. You can witness every tactical adjustment live on Sling TV.

The 2026 Red Sox are banking on a breakout from top prospect Roman Anthony and another massive year from Rafael Devers, who remains the cornerstone of the Boston offense. Supporting them is an improved pitching staff that added veteran Sonny Gray in the offseason to follow Crochet. Meanwhile, the Reds feature arguably the most exciting player in baseball, Elly De La Cruz, who looks to improve upon a 2025 season where his power-speed combination terrified National League pitchers. This 4:10 PM ET matchup is a perfect showcase of the MLB's new generation of stars, and Sling TV is your home for the full national broadcast.

How to watch Red Sox vs. Reds

Thursday's Opening Day game will be broadcast across regional and national networks, with live coverage beginning at 3:30 PM ET. The most flexible way to catch the most MLB action throughout the 2026 season is through Sling TV, providing fans with an affordable and high-definition way to watch on any device.