Preview for Friday, September 25, 2026. Schedule and player information can change.
Cincinnati Reds at Toronto Blue Jays
The Reds head to Toronto to face the Blue Jays with Nick Lodolo taking the mound for Cincinnati. Lodolo has thrown approximately 103.7 innings this season with a 5.04 ERA and a WP-calculated FIP of 5.84, figures that point to a pitcher who has struggled to limit runs and misses on the peripheral metrics as well. Toronto's starting-pitcher information is unavailable in this preview, so no direct comparison can be made on the mound beyond noting Lodolo's numbers.
Looking at the team-level figures, Toronto holds an edge in run prevention with an ERA of 3.92 and a WP-estimated FIP of 4.07, both notably better than Cincinnati's ERA of 4.85 and WP-estimated FIP of 4.90. Offensively the two clubs are close, with the Reds carrying a WP-estimated wOBA of 0.304 and the Blue Jays close behind at 0.301, suggesting a fairly even matchup at the plate even as Toronto's pitching numbers stand out as the more favorable figures in this game.
Both rosters carry notable injury designations. For Cincinnati, Sam Benschoter is listed on the 7-Day IL, while Chase Burns and Connor Burns are listed on the 15-Day IL and 60-Day IL, respectively. For Toronto, Addison Barger and Jose Berrios are listed on the 60-Day IL and Shane Bieber is listed on the 15-Day IL. Taken together, the available numbers favor Toronto, largely on the strength of its team ERA and FIP advantage over Cincinnati, with Lodolo's own runs-allowed and FIP figures adding to the gap on the pitching side.
Statistical scope: MLB Stats API; 2026 regular season season-to-date; exact statistical through-date not supplied.
No rated WP selection is available in this article snapshot.
WP home-run candidate for Blue Jays: Davis Schneider. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
WP home-run candidate for Reds: Elly De La Cruz. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
Predictions are uncertain; no outcome is guaranteed. Check the picks page for the latest available selections.