Arizona Diamondbacks vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 8/22/25, 5:49 PM  by Travis Pulver | Modified on 1/13/26 at 9:18 AM in MLB Picks

The Arizona Diamondbacks will host the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ, this weekend. Game One of the series is scheduled for tonight at 9:40 p.m. EST. Cincinnati comes into the series having won three of their last four and a half game back of the Mets for the final NL wild card spot. Arizona lost the first game in their recent series vs. the Guardians, but pulled out wins in the final two games, both by a single run. They aren’t necessarily out of the playoff race, but they are 5.5 games back for the final wild card spot and don’t have much time to make up the difference.

Zack Littell is scheduled to get the start for Cincinnati. Littell has gone 9-8 in 25 starts with a 3.52 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and .249 OBA. In 14 road starts, he’s gone 7-4 with a 3.76 ERA and .246 OBA. Since being acquired by the Reds from Tampa Bay, he’s gone 1-0 in three starts with a 3.06 ERA. As for the home team, the Diamondbacks will hand the ball to Ryne Nelson. Nelson has a 6-3 record in 16 starts (26 appearances) with a 3.58 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and .215 OBA. He’s done his best work at home this season, going 5-1 with a save in 13 appearances (seven starts) with a 2.20 ERA and .207 OBA.