7-Straight Series Wins?: Reds vs. Phillies Series Preview, May 18-20

The Phillies return home to start a 6-game homestand that takes them into and through Memorial Day Weekend; it’s their last homestand of the month of May. They begin their homestand by capping off the latter of two consecutive matchups against the NL Central. The Phillies spent the weekend in Pittsburgh and swept the up-and-coming Pirates. The Phils are now home and welcome the up-and-coming Cincinnati Reds.

The Phillies head into this homestand with major momentum. They have won 6 straight series since Don Mattingly took over as manager. The Reds are in a different boat; they started the year as one of the best teams in the league. In the month of May, however, they have struggled, posting a measly record of 4-12.

All signs point to the Phillies being able to easily handle the Reds and win their 7th straight series. That does not mean that the Phillies can coast along. This Reds team could easily make things difficult and flip a switch like the Phillies did.

Skyline Offseason

The Reds’ mission heading into this past offseason was to build off the surprise Postseason appearance in 2025. They did in a multitude of ways, making small signings to bulk up certain spots, making trades, and taking advantage of the market to bring in major talent cheaply. Their main desire is to see the continued development of prospects like Chase Burns, Nick Lodolo, and Sal Stewart. That did not stop them from bringing in guys to make sure they’re still competitive.

The major free agent move this offseason was reuniting with a former Red, power-hitting corner infielder Eugenio Suarez. Suarez has proven to be one of the best power hitters in the game and provides a valuable veteran presence to a young lineup. The Reds front office bulked up the bullpen in free agency by resigning Emilio Pagan to a 2-year $20 million deal, and adding relievers Pierce Johnson and Caleb Ferguson to 1-year $6.5 and $4.5 million deals, respectively. The Reds added to the rotation recently by signing former Marlin Chris Paddack.

They also made several trades to boost the bullpen and depth by trading for Lefty reliever Brock Burke from the Los Angeles Angels and outfielder Dane Myers from the Miami Marlins.

Pitchers Keep Shoving

It’s no secret that a major factor in why the Phillies have been so successful under Mattingly is the fact that the starting pitching has been so dominant. 4 of the Phillies 5 shutouts this season have come in the month of May.

The starting pitching will not have the same confidence that was had heading into the Pirates series. The reason is not that the ones getting the starts in this Cincinnati series aren’t able to perform like those who started in Pittsburgh, but the question is, will they? The Phillies throw rookie Andrew Painter, lefty Jesus Luzardo, and Aaron Nola. All three have had stellar starts that show ace-like talent; the problem is that all three are still struggling to get consistency, as none have an ERA under 5.

The lineup will be facing three talented young arms; the Reds starting pitching may stifle the Phillies offense. For that potential issue not to lead to struggling in the series, the starting pitching must continue the dominance the rotation has had, for the most part, in May.

Don’t Let The Young Bucks Cook

The offense has a test on its hands during this series. They are facing three talented young arms in Lodolo, Burns, and Andrew Abbott. This Phillies offense, however, has been incredibly hot, especially in the Pirates series. Even with the starters, the lineup will face this series being talented; the lineup has the momentum to take advantage of the youthfulness and struggles that each starter has had this season.

This begins with the top of the lineup. A major component of the success during the Pirates series was how dominant the top three in the Phillies order were. Trea Turner consistently got himself on base to allow the hitters behind him to get runs home. Bryce Harper continues to scorch the ball and show just how elite he is, and Kyle Schwarber is putting up power numbers that make members of the Steroid Era blush. If these three continue performing the way they have, the difficult time will be for the young Reds pitchers.

Game Times and Broadcasts

Monday, May 18, 6:40 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP

Tuesday, May 19, 6:40 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP

Wednesday, May 20, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBC 10, 94.1 WIP

Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Andrew Painter (RHP, 1-4, 6.21 ERA) vs. Nick Lodolo (LHP, 0-1, 8.68 ERA)

Game 2: Jesus Luzardo (LHP, 3-3, 5.07 ERA) vs. Chase Burns (RHP, 5-1, 1.87 ERA)

Game 3: Aaron Nola (RHP, 2-3, 5.91 ERA) vs. Andrew Abbott (LHP, 3-2, 4.21 ERA)

By The Numbers

• Record
  • Phillies: 24-23
  • Reds: 24-23

• Run Differential
  • Phillies: -17
  • Reds: -35

• Runs Scored Per Game
  • Philles: 4.20
  • Reds: 4.37

• Runs Allowed Per Game
  • Phillies: 4.70
  • Reds: 4.98

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