RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 13: Tyler Stephenson #37 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates after scoring a run on a RBI single by Sal Stewart #27 during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on August 13, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Miami Marlins find themselves in the heart of the National League Wild Card chase, sitting just 2.5 games back of the final spot while boasting a 62-60 overall record on the season. So much of what’s gotten them there will be on display as they take on the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night, too.
Former NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara suffered through a brutal few seasons after being crowned the top pitcher on the senior circuit. Tommy John surgery took his entire 2024 campaign, and entering the 2026 season he’d only pitched to a 4.73 ERA in 359.1 IP on the whole.
Things are beginning to right themselves in a big way in 2026, however. Overall, he leads all of Major League Baseball with 163.2 IP and 18 quality starts, pitching to a 3.52 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in that time. Over his last 7 starts dating back to the start of July, he’s tossed 48.0 IP of 1.88 ERA ball, and once again looks like one of the most elite arms on the planet again.
That is what the Reds get to deal with in Friday’s series opener against the Fish. Fortunately for them, they’ll be countering with their own ace in Chase Burns in what looks like the premier pitching matchup in the sport on the night.
The funny thing about this 3-game series is that the Reds, at 58-62 and 5.5 games back in the Wild Card chase, could actually jump ahead of Miami in the standings with a sweep. That’s just how tight this whole thing is even if the Reds happen to be holding the short end of the stick at the moment. Believe it or not, they’re still hanging on to the slightest of chances despite all the poor form they’ve showed through much of this year.
First pitch is set for an early 6:10 PM ET, so plan accordingly!
Here’s how the Reds will line up to begin this one:
Back at GABP! Powered by @PNCBank pic.twitter.com/0OnUNamM8g
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 14, 2026
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