Keagan Smith gives you a preview, prediction and pick for today\u2019s game between the Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins on Wednesday\u2019s MLB slate.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re officially entering the third week of the MLB season, meaning we\u2019re beginning to see statistical blips turn into trends as the sport\u2019s pecking order comes into full focus. The Miami Marlins (6-5) are hosting a four-game set against the Cincinnati Reds (8-3) and just dropped game two to the visitors last night, 6-3. These are two of the MLB\u2019s most underrated, surprisingly fun teams, so this should be an excellent remainder of the series as the third duel begins at 6:40 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a betting prediction and pick for Wednesday\u2019s Reds vs. Marlins matchup courtesy of MLB odds and lines on DraftKings Sportsbook.<\/p>\n
Reds vs. Marlins prediction, preview<\/p>\n
Cincinnati Reds<\/p>\n
Through their first 11 games, the Reds are tied for the second-best record in baseball at 8-3. They\u2019ve now won five straight games, including a series sweep over the Texas Rangers along with victories of 2-0 and 6-3 over this Marlins group. Notably, Cincinnati averages the third-fewest runs per game at only 3.09, but the team has eked out some close contests and has dug deep to do so even despite something of a decimated starting rotation. Even with the fourth-lowest OPS at .610 and a .204\/.288\/.322 slash line, plus a lot .117 ISO, the Reds have made it work. They\u2019ve mashed 10 homers and have 10 stolen bases, also garnering an 0.42 BB\/K ratio. So, how have the wins come? Pitching is the answer \u2014 their 2.82 ERA ranks fifth and a 1.19 WHIP is a quality mark. Best of all is an MLB-leading LOB% of 82.7%.<\/p>\n
Miami Marlins<\/p>\n
At 6-5 overall, you almost have to call this a quality start for a Marlins team that\u2019s been pretty poor over the last couple of seasons but showed plenty of grit and promise for the future down the stretch in 2025. Now, they\u2019re building on that, even if dropping four of their last five games is a momentary setback. Miami scores 4.73 runs per game thus far courtesy of the seventh-best OPS in baseball at .729. Mind you, the Marlins\u2019 .253\/.333\/.397 slash line is without star Kyle Stowers in the lineup while he waits to make his season debut due to an injury. A .143 ISO ranks ninth overall despite hitting only eight long balls, too. They\u2019re converting extra bases on a pretty frequent basis at seventh in doubles (20) and first in triples (four) as well. Plus, an 0.44 BB\/K ratio sits among the middle of the pack. Their hurlers have been a bit of a mixed bag but a 3.95 ERA is good for 15th and a 1.16 WHIP ranks eighth overall. The Marlins are also 15th in K-BB% on the mound at 13.4%.<\/p>\n
Tonight\u2019s starting pitchers<\/p>\n
RHP Brady Singer suits up for the Reds for the third time this season. With a 5.00 ERA and 1.56 WHIP, the rate stats could look better. He\u2019s thrown 10 strikeouts over his 9.0 IP, so the sample size obviously remains small and it\u2019s tough to assume he\u2019s on the downswing after a 4.03 ERA\/1.24 WHIP in 2025.<\/p>\n
Fellow RHP Eury Perez makes his third start of 2026 as well. The 22-year-old missed much of last season due to injury but threw to the tune of a 4.25 ERA and 1.05 WHIP when healthy, also punching out 105 hitters in 95.1 IP. In his two games so far this year, he holds a 5.73 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 12 strikeouts in 11.0 IP.<\/p>\n
Reds vs. Marlins pick, best bet<\/p>\n
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Marlins as -131 ML favorites. The Reds are behind at +109 odds to win outright. The run total sits at eight combined runs between these sides.<\/p>\n