Dodgers Face Reds, Yamamoto Duels Lowder

MLB Dodgers Face Reds, Yamamoto Duels Lowder

By Ben Gale

September 9, 2026 • 9:04 PM EDT

Updated 2 hours ago

Dodgers Face Reds, Yamamoto Duels Lowder

The Reds are back out west, and this one’s got that late-night edge. You’ve got Cincinnati rolling into Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, sending promising righty Rhett Lowder to the mound. Facing him is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pitcher who’s built for the big stage and flat-out dominant at home. This is the kind of matchup bettors circle, because elite arms can swing a line and upend even the hottest hitters.

But it’s not just about the guys on the bump. Elly De La Cruz, flaming hot at the dish, is looking to extend his home run streak against Yamamoto. If you’re eyeing player props or hoping for fireworks, he’s your headliner, and any sign he keeps mashing against a top-tier pitcher is big news for Reds backers and bettors riding the over.

The Reds are also shaking up their lineup. Carlos Jorge is getting his first crack at leading off in his young career. Reds manager Terry Francona has clearly had enough of waiting for someone besides De La Cruz or Sal Stewart to catch fire at the top of the order. That says a lot about how urgent Cincinnati feels heading into a tough stretch and what they’re willing to try to jumpstart the offense.

According to Yahoo Sports, both clubs’ starting lineups show a few interesting wrinkles. The Dodgers counter with Tommy Edman atop their order, keeping their own attack balanced for Yamamoto’s starts.

This game matters because both teams have big aspirations and two high-pedigree hurlers. Which offense cracks the code? Or does one ace steal the show and put prop unders in play? If you want to find value, watch how the managers work these lineups and look for momentum swings that can impact live odds in real time.

Key developments to watch tonight

Rhett Lowder takes the mound for the Reds, trying to quiet the Dodgers’ lineup.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto starts for LA, and he’s consistently one of the toughest arms to score against at home.
Carlos Jorge leads off for the Reds for the first time, a strategic lineup shakeup aimed at finding a spark.
Elly De La Cruz has a home run streak on the line, putting attention on his at-bats against Yamamoto.
Terry Francona’s lineup experimentation continues, underlining Cincinnati’s urgency to get the offense going.
The Dodgers mix youth and experience in their order, starting Tommy Edman and Will Smith up top.

Lineups and first pitch details

Cincinnati Reds projected lineup

Carlos Jorge (CF)
Elly De La Cruz (SS)
Sal Stewart (1B)
JJ Bleday (DH)
Hector Rodriguez (RF)
Juan Brito (2B)
Will Banfield (C)
TJ Friedl (LF)
Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B)
Rhett Lowder (RHP, pitching)

Los Angeles Dodgers projected lineup

Tommy Edman (CF)
Will Smith (DH)
Mookie Betts (SS)
Max Muncy (3B)
Teoscar Hernandez (LF)
Kyle Tucker (RF)
Hunter Feduccia (C)
Alex Freeland (2B)
Enrique Hernandez (1B)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP, pitching)

Key takeaways for bettors

Both teams have strong starting pitching, so expect a lower run total early on.
Elly De La Cruz’s current hot streak makes his props tempting but riskier against Yamamoto.
Carlos Jorge’s debut as a leadoff hitter could boost speed and chaos at the top of Cincinnati’s order – an angle for those who play steals or runs props.
The Dodgers’ lineup depth helps offset any slow starts, keeping their run line appealing if they can get to Lowder early.
Terry Francona continues shuffling, showing bettors should expect the unexpected from the Reds’ lineup construction.
This matchup features players riding new roles, so live betting could offer value as trends appear during the game.
If either ace struggles out of the gate, expect real-time totals to move fast – look for swing opportunities.

More coverage: MLB news coverage, MLB analysis and odds and today’s MLB picks.