The Los Angeles Dodgers salvaged a win over the San Diego Padres on Sunday to pull level in the National League West again, and now the Cincinnati Reds stand in their way of grabbing the lead back from their rivals.
With two young studs heading to the hill, my Reds vs. Dodgers predictions break down why this game will feature few highlights for either offense.
Let's hand out some MLB picks for Monday, August 25.
Reds vs Dodgers prediction
Reds vs Dodgers best bet: Under 8 (-105)
It’s quite the marvel that one of the most extreme fly-ball pitchers in baseball could not only succeed, but put up elite numbers inside the Great American Ballpark, but that’s just how good Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene is.
The right-hander has been limited to 13 starts this season, but he’s made the most of them with a 2.63 ERA and hefty 32.2% strikeout rate. Greene’s expert control plus the heavy dose of fly balls has led him to another shining Expected Batting Average of .205, and it’s really just the home run to do him in — he’s surrendered 10 already.
Obviously, you’ll take that with the inconsistency he’s forced upon opposing offenses, and a couple of solo homers aren’t going to hurt Greene with the way he’s continued to rack up strikeouts. The Los Angeles Dodgers do own the fifth-highest home run-to-fly ball ratio in the league, one that’s remained high in the last two weeks at 15.8%, but they’ve also struck out in a brutal 23% of plate appearances in the previous two weeks.
L.A. is reliant upon walks and homers right now, and while Greene does allow plenty of the former, you’d have to like his chances against a side that has struck out a lot lately for its standards and one that is hitting just .232 over that split.
The outlook should be similarly rosy for Emmet Sheehan on the other side of this one, a young man who has shown plenty of promise in his second season. The right-hander has posted an excellent 27.9% strikeout rate with solid chase and whiff rates to back it up, and the punch outs have begun to rack up in recent starts while the issues with walks have subsided somewhat.
This man may have an unassuming 4.17 ERA, but his last outing was a tough matchup as a fly-ball pitcher at Coors Field, and his swing-and-miss ability is undeniable.
The Reds are down in the bottom 10 of the league over the last two weeks offensively and continue to be one of the guiltiest in the league when it comes to striking out. I expect their poor discipline and lack of power to aid Sheehan greatly here, and the two pitchers should keep the scoring to a minimum.
Reds vs Dodgers same-game parlay (SGP)
I can’t help but see a discount here on Emmet Sheehan’s strikeout prop. He’s punched out five or more in five straight, and his swing-and-miss continues to jump with each month he spends here in the bigs. Cincinnati may be striking out in a low 20% of plate appearances in the last two weeks, but that number is a little closer to average in the previous few months — and its lack of walks would indicate to me that Sheehan will generate plenty of swings out of the zone to help him here.
The Dodgers will also take all the length they can get from the youngster, given the run they’ve given the bullpen, and with a strong outlook, he could hit this number just by sticking around.
I’m also gonna go with Mookie Betts to get a hit here, because he’s been the Dodgers’ best option versus high velocity. Betts is hitting .313 against fastballs at least 97 mph this year, and most importantly, he’s whiffed at an incredibly low rate. He’s 2-for-6 off the flamethrowing Greene in his career, and most importantly, hasn’t struck out in their meetings. I expect him to put the ball in play and do it with authority.
Reds vs Dodgers odds
- Moneyline: Cincinnati +122 | Los Angeles -145
- Run line: Cincinnati +1.5 (-164) | Los Angeles -1.5 (+140)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-110) | Under 8.5 (-110)
Reds vs Dodgers trend
Los Angeles has hit the F5 moneyline in 10 of its last 13 games at home (+10.00 Units / 42% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Reds vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Reds vs Dodgers and game info
| Location | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Monday, August 25, 2025 |
| First pitch | 10:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Ohio, SNLA |
| Reds starting pitcher | Hunter Greene (5-3, 2.63 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Emmet Sheehan (4-2, 4.17 ERA) |
Reds vs Dodgers latest injuries
Reds vs Dodgers weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
