The Cincinnati Reds open their doors at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, for a 7:10 PM ET showdown against the Cleveland Guardians. Cleveland sends right-hander Gavin Williams to the mound, while Cincinnati has yet to announce a probable starter. This is an Ohio rivalry matchup with genuine stakes — two franchises from the same state that don't share a division but never lack for edge when they meet. First pitch is on Reds.TV locally, with WLW 700 carrying the radio call for Cincinnati fans.

Pitching Matchup: Gavin Williams Starts for Cleveland, Reds Starter TBD

Williams gets the ball for the Guardians. Specific ERA and win-loss figures aren't available heading into Tuesday, but Williams has been part of Cleveland's rotation and brings legitimate stuff to the matchup. The Reds have not yet named a starter, which is worth monitoring as the day progresses. Who Cincinnati puts on the mound against a lineup that includes José Ramírez will go a long way toward shaping the game's outcome.

Cleveland Guardians Lineup to Watch

The Guardians bring a balanced lineup that requires attention top to bottom. Steven Kwan leads things off from left field — a contact-first bat who makes life difficult for pitchers working in the zone. José Ramírez slots in at two in the DH spot, and there's no way to overstate how dangerous he is in that lineup position with runners on base. Chase DeLauter hits third, Rhys Hoskins cleans up at first base, and Brayan Rocchio bats fifth at shortstop. Second baseman Travis Bazzana and third baseman Gabriel Arias round out the middle of the order, with veteran catcher Austin Hedges and Petey Halpin in center field completing the nine.

Cincinnati Reds Lineup

Manager's card for the Reds has Elly De La Cruz leading off at shortstop — the electric switch-hitter whose combination of speed and raw power makes him a constant threat. Sal Stewart slots in second as the DH, followed by JJ Bleday in left field hitting third. Nathaniel Lowe anchors the cleanup spot at first base. Dane Myers starts in center field batting fifth, Noelvi Marte gets the call in right field at six, Ivan Johnson handles second base at seven, José Trevino catches and bats eighth, and Ke'Bryan Hayes rounds out the order at third base.

Keys to Watch Tuesday Night

• Reds' starter announcement: Cincinnati has not confirmed a pitcher. Who gets the ball — and their ability to neutralize Ramírez and Hoskins — is the single biggest pregame question mark.
• Elly De La Cruz at the top: De La Cruz in the leadoff spot gives Cincinnati an immediate speed and power threat. How he fares against Williams early could set the tone for the entire lineup.
• Ramírez factor: José Ramírez is the kind of hitter who can single-handedly change a game. Keeping him off the bases and limiting damage when he reaches has to be a priority for Cincinnati's pitching staff.
• Lowe and the middle of the order: Nathaniel Lowe batting cleanup gives the Reds a disciplined, contact-oriented presence in the heart of the lineup. His ability to drive in Stewart and Bleday will be worth tracking all night.
• Bullpen depth: With the Reds' starter unannounced, Cincinnati's relief corps may be called on earlier than usual. Depth and freshness in the pen matters here.

Prediction

This is a winnable game at home for Cincinnati. Great American Ball Park is a comfortable environment for this Reds lineup, and an opponent starter in Gavin Williams — while capable — gives Cincinnati a chance to do some damage early if De La Cruz and the top of the order can get on base. The uncertainty around Cincinnati's pitching situation is real, and Ramírez alone makes Cleveland dangerous at any point in a ballgame. Reds take this one, 5-3, on the strength of the home lineup and crowd at Great American Ball Park — but it won't be comfortable until the final out.