The Cincinnati Reds return to Great American Ball Park on Monday, July 27, for a 7:10 PM ET showdown with the Cleveland Guardians — an Ohio rivalry game that carries extra weight any time these two clubs share a field. Chase Burns takes the ball for the Reds against Cleveland's Slade Cecconi in a matchup that puts two young right-handers under the national spotlight, with ESPN carrying the broadcast across the country. This is the kind of mid-summer divisional-adjacent clash that can shift momentum heading into the stretch run, and Cincinnati's home faithful will be loud at the corner of Second and Main.
Probable Starters: Chase Burns vs. Slade Cecconi
Chase Burns gets the nod for the Reds, and his presence on the mound is one of the genuine reasons to be excited about this franchise's direction. Burns has shown the kind of arm talent that generates buzz, and a home start at Great American Ball Park gives him every advantage. He'll work in front of a crowd that's invested in every pitch he throws.
Slade Cecconi draws the assignment for Cleveland. Cecconi is a name Reds fans may remember from his time in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization before landing with the Guardians. He's a capable starter with the stuff to keep a lineup honest, which means Cincinnati will need to be disciplined and patient at the plate rather than swinging early and gifting him easy outs.
Keys to Watch in Reds vs. Guardians
- Burns's command early: If Burns is locating his fastball and working his secondary pitches effectively through the first three innings, the Reds are in a strong position. His ability to generate weak contact and pile up swings and misses is what separates a strong outing from a short one.
- Cincinnati's plate discipline against Cecconi: The Reds need to grind at-bats, work pitch counts, and get to the Cleveland bullpen. Patient approaches lead to traffic on the bases, and traffic leads to runs.
- The Ohio rivalry factor: Reds-Guardians games carry a different competitive edge. Both clubs know each other's tendencies, and players tend to elevate in these matchups. Expect a tightly contested game from first pitch.
- National audience, home field energy: With ESPN broadcasting, this is a showcase moment for the Reds. Great American Ball Park on a warm July Monday, a young star on the mound, and a genuine rival in town — the stage is set.
Prediction
Chase Burns at home, under the lights, with a national audience? Give me the Reds. Cincinnati wins a competitive game, 4-2, with Burns delivering six solid innings and the offense doing just enough damage against Cecconi in the middle frames. Tune in on ESPN or catch the call on WLW 700.
