The Cincinnati Reds wrap up their road trip at Busch Stadium on Sunday, July 26, 2026, with first pitch set for 2:15 PM ET. Andrew Abbott gets the ball for Cincinnati against Cardinals right-hander Kyle Leahy in what shapes up as a pivotal NL Central matchup. The Reds carry a lineup built around Elly De La Cruz at the top and a revamped middle of the order featuring Eugenio Suárez and newcomer Nathaniel Lowe. Every game against St. Louis at this stage of the season carries division-race weight, and this one is no different.

Reds at Cardinals Game Preview: Sunday, July 26, 2026

Starting Pitchers: Abbott vs. Leahy

Andrew Abbott draws the Sunday assignment for Cincinnati. The left-hander has been one of the more intriguing arms in the Reds rotation, and a road start against a division rival is the kind of game that defines a pitcher's season. Abbott will need to keep St. Louis's lineup honest — a group that includes Jordan Walker in the three-hole, Alec Burleson at cleanup, and shortstop Masyn Winn batting fifth.

On the other side, Kyle Leahy gets the nod for St. Louis. Leahy is a name Reds fans should get familiar with quickly — the Cardinals will be leaning on him in a meaningful Sunday afternoon spot. Cincinnati's lineup will be looking to test him early and often.

Cincinnati Reds Starting Lineup

• 1. Elly De La Cruz, SS
• 2. Spencer Steer, 2B
• 3. JJ Bleday, LF
• 4. Eugenio Suárez, DH
• 5. Nathaniel Lowe, 1B
• 6. Dane Myers, CF
• 7. Noelvi Marte, RF
• 8. Jose Trevino, C
• 9. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B

St. Louis Cardinals Starting Lineup

• 1. JJ Wetherholt, 2B
• 2. Iván Herrera, DH
• 3. Jordan Walker, RF
• 4. Alec Burleson, 1B
• 5. Masyn Winn, SS
• 6. José Fermín, CF
• 7. Nelson Velázquez, LF
• 8. Blaze Jordan, 3B
• 9. Pedro Pagés, C

Keys to Watch for the Reds

• Elly De La Cruz setting the table: De La Cruz leading off is Cincinnati's ignition switch. When he reaches base and creates chaos on the basepaths, this offense becomes a different animal. A strong showing from him at Busch Stadium could dictate the tone of the entire game.
• Abbott's command against a patient lineup: The Cardinals lineup is built with contact hitters who work counts. Abbott's ability to establish his breaking ball early and avoid deep counts will be the central storyline on the mound for Cincinnati.
• Suárez and Lowe providing run-scoring punch: The four-five combo of Eugenio Suárez and Nathaniel Lowe in the middle of the order gives the Reds legitimate run-production upside. If the top of the order gets on base, these two need to cash them in.
• Noelvi Marte's development: Marte batting seventh in right field is worth watching. He represents the kind of young talent that can break out in a divisional spot start.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Cincinnati, and Andrew Abbott is the reason why. If he can give the Reds six competitive innings and keep the Cardinals lineup from stringing hits together, the offense has enough in it — from De La Cruz through Lowe — to put runs on the board against a pitcher in Leahy who the Reds have the opportunity to see for the first time or in limited exposure. Expect a close, low-scoring game that comes down to who makes fewer mistakes late. Reds take this one, 4-2.

Catch the action on Reds.TV or on the radio via WLW 700.