CINCINNATI – The Cleveland Guardians will battle the in-state rival Cincinnati Reds and a familiar face today – Friday, May 16 – at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. This game is available to watch on multiple streaming services for free.
How do I watch Guardians vs. Reds for free today?
The game will broadcast live on CleGuardians.TV and FanDuel Sports Ohio with the first pitch at 5:10 p.m. Eastern. The game was moved up from its original start time of 6:40 p.m. to avoid evening storms.
Those who have cut the cable cord can catch the game for free by utilizing streaming alternatives like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial.
Sling is offering promotional offers for new customers.
Streaming serviceMonthly PriceFree trial LengthDiscountDirecTV Stream$74.99Yes5-day$30 off first monthFuboTV$84.99YesVaries$20-25 off first monthCleveland Guardians
The Guardians (25-18) have won six of their last 10 games as they try to keep pace with the scintillating Detroit Tigers in the American League Central. They trail the Tigers (29-15) by 3.5 games heading into the weekend.
Cleveland averages 4.09 runs per game, which is 18th in the Majors. They are averaging five runs and have hit 10 home runs in the last 10 games.
It will be the first regular season meeting between former Guardians manager Terry Francona and his old team. Francona is the winningest manager in Cleveland baseball history.
Guardians players to watch
Kyle Manzardo has 10 home runs and 25 RBI with a .221 batting average. He has notched four hits and three RBI in his last three games.
Steven Kwan has four home runs and 17 RBI with a .325 batting average, which is tied for sixth in the Majors. He has tallied two multi-hit games in his last five appearances.
Slugger Jose Ramirez is on fire. He has eight home runs and 22 RBI with a .295 batting average. The slugger touts a nine-game hitting streak, including three home runs and seven RBI in that span.
Watch Guardians vs. Reds for free on DirecTV Stream
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds (21-24) are in a rut, having lost seven of their last 10 games. They are managing just 3.2 runs per game and have also belted 10 home runs in that span.
If they are able to jump on top, Cincinnati’s bullpen has been a reliable weapon in high-leverage situations, tallying a 64.7% on save opportunities. This could bode well against a Guardians offense that has been sporadic this season.
The Reds have won five of their last seven games at home against Amercian League competition. Cincinnati sits in fourth place in the NL Central, but are just 4.5 games behind the division-leading Cubs.
Reds players to watch
Shortstop Elly De La Cruz has tallied a team-high eight home runs, 31 RBI and 14 steals with a .256 batting average. He has garnered five hits, two home runs and two RBI in his last three games
First baseman Spencer Steer has tallied four home runs and 12 RBI with a .200 batting average. He touts a four-game hitting streak with three doubles in that span.
Centerfielder TJ Friedl has three home runs and 17 RBI with a .274 batting average. After tallying three hits against the Astros on May 10, he has remained hitless in his last two games.
Watch Guardians vs. Reds for free on FuboTV
Today’s pitching matchup
CLE Tanner Bibee (3-3, 3.80 ERA) vs. CIN Brady Singer (4-2, 4.97)
Bibee will be making his ninth start of the campaign. He has allowed six or more earned runs twice this season. Bibee has coughed up exactly five hits in each of his last five games as he has started to sharpen his command. The right-hander touts 31 strikeouts with a 1.22 WHIP.
Singer is also making his ninth start of the season. He has delivered a smorgasbord of outings, including allowing one home run in each of his last six games. He has coughed up at least three earned runs in five of his eight starts.
What are the latest odds for Guardians vs. Reds?
Spread: CLE: (-1.5), CIN: (+1.5)
Moneyline: CLE: (-120), CIN: (+100)
Run total: 9
Here’s more information on how to watch today’s Guardians vs. Reds game on TV and streaming services:
What: Cleveland Guardians vs. Cincinnati Reds
When: Friday, May 16, 2025
Time: 5:10 p.m. Eastern
Where: Great American Ball Park | Cincinnati, Ohio
Channel: CleGuardians.TV, FanDuel Sports Ohio
Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and 20-25 off first month) and DirecTV Stream (free trial and $30 off first month)
Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DirecTV, Dish, Verizon Fios