Reds vs Giants

Coming off a dominant five-game winning streak, the Giants are rolling into this matchup with confidence and cohesion, unlike the slumping Cincinnati Reds, who have dropped four straight and are struggling to find rhythm early in the season. San Francisco’s lineup has been bolstered by the sizzling bat of Michael Conforto and the resurgence of Jorge Soler, both of whom have provided steady power in the middle of the order. Contrast that with the Reds’ injury woes — including the ongoing absence of TJ Friedl and Alexis Díaz, who remains on the IL with a hamstring strain, further depleting Cincinnati’s late-inning relief options. On the mound, Landen Roupp will make the start for San Francisco. The rookie right-hander has shown promise but will be tested by a Reds lineup led by Elly De La Cruz. For Cincinnati, Nick Lodolo makes his first start of the season, returning from injury and looking to stabilize a rotation that’s struggled in the early going. With the Giants playing fundamentally sound baseball and Cincinnati still finding its footing, the home team has the edge—though the lack of experience on the mound adds a layer of risk. Take the Giants at -120. Grade: B+ for moderate risk and solid value. Odds and availability are subject to change.

Coming off an electric 8-1 start, the Giants are riding a six-game win streak and look every bit a National League powerhouse heading into Tuesday’s matchup at Oracle Park. Meanwhile, the slumping Reds have lost four straight, and their offense has sputtered, scoring more than three runs just once in their past five games. Matt McLain remains out with a shoulder injury, weakening a Cincinnati infield already leaning heavily on youth. On the mound, Landen Roupp gets the nod for San Francisco. Though largely untested at the MLB level, Roupp has shown good command in limited work. Across the diamond, Nick Lodolo returns to the Reds’ rotation, making his 2025 debut after missing time with injury. Lodolo, a lefty with strikeout upside, owns a 3.81 ERA in five career April starts. With both teams dealing with early-season travel wear and chilly Bay Area weather in the forecast, run production may be limited. The total sitting at 7.5 feels just a bit high given the uncertainty on both sides, particularly if Roupp can limit hard contact early. The Under is the smart play here. Grade: B+. Odds and availability are subject to change.

With the red-hot Giants riding a six-game winning streak and sitting pretty at 8-1, San Francisco is in a prime spot to cover the -1.5 spread at home against the scuffling Reds. Cincinnati, losers of four straight, have seen their bullpen collapse late in games while still missing key relievers Tejay Antone (elbow) and Alexis Díaz (hamstring). The Giants continue to get consistent production from Thairo Estrada and Michael Conforto, who’s found his power stroke early in the season. San Francisco sends Landen Roupp to the mound, making his first start of 2025, while Cincinnati counters with Nick Lodolo, who is returning from injury. Though Lodolo has the talent to quiet the Giants, his long layoff and potential pitch limit make it harder to trust the Reds on the road. The Giants’ balanced offense and reliable late-inning bullpen give them a strong case to win and cover. Giants -1.5 is playable here. Grade: B+ for value and favorable form matchup. Odds and availability are subject to change.