Dodgers vs Reds MLB Pick: Dodgers Look to Extend Division Lead in Cincinnati

Baseball’s spotlight shines on Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, this Monday, July 28, 2025, as the Los Angeles Dodgers roll into town to face the Cincinnati Reds. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET in what promises to be an intriguing National League clash. The Dodgers, eyeing an extended lead in the NL West, will bring their high-octane offense against a resilient Reds squad.

Los Angeles Dodgers Outlook

The Los Angeles Dodgers currently boast an impressive 61-44 record, placing them atop the National League West. Their offense is arguably the best in baseball, leading the league in runs scored (546 total, 5.3 per game) and RBIs (526), and ranking second in home runs (157).

Key offensive contributors include Shohei Ohtani, who leads the team with 38 home runs and 71 RBIs, and Will Smith, who holds a team-best .325 batting average. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman also continue to be cornerstone pieces of their offensive juggernaut. On the pitching side, while their collective ERA of 4.28 ranks 23rd, Yamamoto provides a strong anchor at the top of their rotation. The Dodgers have a respectable 5-5 record in their last 10 games.

Cincinnati Reds Outlook

The Cincinnati Reds hold a 55-50 record, good for third place in the competitive NL Central, 6.5 games behind the division-leading Cubs and Brewers.

The Reds’ offense has been solid, scoring 4.6 runs per game (11th in MLB), driven by power hitters like Elly De La Cruz (18 HR, 67 RBI, .285 AVG). TJ Friedl (.268 AVG) and Spencer Steer (.244 AVG) also contribute significantly. Their pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.88, ranking 12th in MLB, indicating a decent but not dominant unit. The Reds have shown recent good form, going 6-4 in their last 10 games.

Analysis and Pick

This game presents a classic matchup of a powerhouse offense against a developing pitcher. Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound for the Dodgers gives them a significant advantage from the start. His ability to shut down opposing lineups, combined with the Dodgers’ league-leading run production, makes them a tough out, even on the road.

While the Reds have shown flashes of strong play and have a few dangerous bats, Chase Burns will be under immense pressure against the Dodgers’ deep lineup. Los Angeles’s offense, with Ohtani, Smith, and others, is capable of putting up runs quickly and consistently. The Reds will need a strong offensive showing to keep pace, but the pitching matchup heavily favors the visitors.