The Cincinnati Reds wrap up the regular season stretch with a road trip stop in Toronto, taking on the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 7:07 PM ET. Nick Lodolo gets the ball for Cincinnati in a matchup that carries real weight as both clubs navigate the final week of the regular season. Toronto has yet to announce a starter, adding a layer of uncertainty to the Reds' preparation. The game airs on Reds.TV and WLW 700 AM for the Cincinnati faithful.

Nick Lodolo Starts for Cincinnati Against Toronto Blue Jays

Lodolo is the known quantity here. The left-hander has been one of the more important arms in the Reds rotation, and this road start gives Cincinnati a chance to pick up a win away from Great American Ball Park. With Toronto's starter not yet named, the Reds will need to be ready to adjust quickly once that information surfaces closer to first pitch.

Toronto Blue Jays Starting Lineup

The Blue Jays are sending out a lineup with plenty of familiar names and a veteran presence in the middle of the order. Here is how Toronto lines up at Rogers Centre:

• Charles McAdoo, 2B
• Alejandro Kirk, C
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B
• George Springer, DH
• Kazuma Okamoto, 3B
• Nathan Lukes, RF
• Davis Schneider, LF
• Ernie Clement, SS
• Myles Straw, CF

Keys to Watch in Reds at Blue Jays

A few things to track when the first pitch flies Friday night in Toronto:

• Lodolo's command early: Rogers Centre can be a tough environment for a left-hander. How Lodolo handles the top of that Toronto order — Kirk and Guerrero Jr. in particular — will set the tone for Cincinnati's night.
• Guerrero Jr. as the central threat: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting third for Toronto is the matchup Lodolo will need to navigate most carefully. There is no margin for mistake against a hitter of his caliber in a lineup spot like that.
• Toronto's unnamed starter: Until Toronto announces its pitcher, the Reds' lineup preparation has a major blank to fill. Watch for that name to drop and what it means for how Cincinnati sequences its at-bats.
• Springer at cleanup: George Springer batting fourth gives Toronto a dangerous one-two punch with Guerrero. Lodolo will need to limit damage when both reach base in the same inning.

Prediction

This is a winnable road game for Cincinnati if Lodolo is on. The Blue Jays' lineup is experienced and capable of doing damage, but a sharp Lodolo working ahead in counts can keep Toronto's offense in check. Until Toronto names its starter, the pitching matchup is lopsided in terms of what we actually know. Give the Reds a narrow edge based on the certainty of having Lodolo prepared and ready to go. Reds 4, Blue Jays 3.