Preview for Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Schedule and player information can change.
Cincinnati Reds at Atlanta Braves
The Reds send Brandon Williamson to the mound against the Braves' JR Ritchie in a matchup between two starters who have each struggled to keep runs off the board this season. Williamson carries an ERA of 5.56 and a FIP of 6.26 across approximately 43.7 innings pitched, while Ritchie has worked roughly 62.7 innings with an ERA of 5.03 and a FIP of 5.71. Neither pitcher's numbers stand out as strong, but Ritchie's marks are lower than Williamson's in both ERA and FIP, giving him the more favorable statistical profile of the two.
Looking at the team-level numbers, Atlanta holds a wOBA of 0.312 compared to Cincinnati's 0.304, suggesting a slight offensive edge for the Braves. On the run-prevention side, the gap is more pronounced: Atlanta's team ERA sits at 3.61 with a FIP of 4.15, while Cincinnati's team ERA is 4.89 with a FIP of 4.91. Across both offense and pitching, the Braves' figures are better than the Reds' in every category listed.
Both clubs are dealing with reported injury situations. Rayven Antonio and Starlyn De La Cruz of the Braves are each listed on the 60-Day IL, and Bryce Elder is listed on the 15-Day IL. For Cincinnati, Sam Benschoter is listed on the 7-Day IL, Chase Burns is listed on the 15-Day IL, and Connor Burns is listed on the 60-Day IL. Taken together, the statistical picture favors Atlanta, whose starter, team ERA, FIP, and wOBA all compare more favorably than Cincinnati's corresponding figures.
Statistical scope: MLB Stats API; 2026 regular season season-to-date; exact statistical through-date not supplied.
WP selection: Braves moneyline. Confidence: Strong.
The selection is supplied separately by WP. The comparisons above do not establish why the model made this selection.
WP home-run candidate for Braves: Ronald Acuña Jr.. 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.