The Reds were competing with the Diamondbacks for a NL wild-card. Then, the Reds lost 8 of 10 games, falling below 500. During those games, their 3.2 runs-per-game was less than their season average (4.30 runs-per-game). Also, they had problems with the bullpen and starting pitchers, with ‘no quick fix’ per this SB Nation article.

Timing is important. Now, the timing is great to win a series against the Reds. The Diamondbacks need to win the series because who knows what the timing will be when the Diamondbacks play another series against them in August?

Let’s compare the teams.

Offense. This season through 7 June, the teams were about the same in runs scored per game (4.30 vs 4.35). But recently, the Reds are scoring less runs per game.

Runners Left On Base. This season through 7 June, the Diamondbacks left fewer runners on base per game (6.29 vs 7.14).

Defense. This season through 7 June, the Diamondbacks had the better defense (13 vs 7 OAA, 21 vs negative 11 DRS)

Bullpens. This season through 7 June, the Reds had more shutdown performances by the bullpen (66 vs 62).

Starting Pitcher Matchups. This season through 7 June, the Diamondbacks had the most quality starts (25 vs 21). This is the key that is allowing the Diamondbacks offense to drive the Diamondbacks towards the playoffs. For this series, two of the three matchups are advantage Diamondbacks.

Former Diamondback (2023 to 2025) Eugenio Suarez will play third base. Although his OPS+ dropped after leaving the Diamondbacks (Mariners 92 OPS+, and Reds 67 OPS+), will playing against his former team light a fire that inspires him to excellent batting?

In games through 7 June, he hit two singles and walked twice in 24 PAs. Will he break out of his slump in this series? Let’s hope not.

Diamondbacks Player to Watch

Two recently arrived players were LuJames Groover (5 June, first base), and Drey Jameson (6 June, bullpen).

“Gino [Groover] did a nice job today. I’m sure he’s excited to get his first knock [first hit in the Majors], and he made a nice play to stay on the bag and get that out [despite experiencing a ‘pretty nasty cut or a scrape’ from the runner stepping on his leg]. So, overall, he did exactly what he’s supposed to do and showed some resiliency and toughness for sure [by staying in the game].” — Torey Lovullo, 6 June 2026

“I know I have the stuff. I know my pitches can work, but you got to let them work, and that’s throwing strikes. Before, I’m just kind of gripping it and ripping it and seeing what happens. Now it’s more like, ‘Hey, it doesn’t matter how hard you throw, doesn’t matter how nasty your stuff is if you don’t throw it for strikes.’” — Drey Jameson, June 2026

Friday, 4:10 PM MST. Eduardo Rodriguez will face Nick Lodolo. This season, Rodriquez has 7 quality starts and a career best 2.52 ERA. This season Lodolo has 2 quality starts and a 6.50 ERA. Lodolo has allowed one or two homers every game.

This matchup is advantage Diamondbacks.

Saturday, 1:10 PM MST. Michael Soroka will face Rhett Lowder. This season, Soroka has 6 quality starts and a career second best 3.28 ERA. His FIP is better at 3.06. This season, Lowder has 3 quality starts and a 5.01 ERA. In May and June, he never pitched more than 3 innings per game. He had shoulder discomfort and a clicking sensation. He did strengthening exercises and this is his second appearance after being on the injured list.

This matchup is advantage Diamondbacks.

Sunday, 10:40 AM MST. Zac Gallen will face Andrew Abbott. This season, Gallen has 2 quality starts. This season, Abbott has 6 quality starts, which includes his latest three games. Abbott’s ERA is 4.10, which is better than Gallen’s 5.43 ERA.

This matchup is advantage Reds.