Series Preview: Reds vs. Guardians

TL;DR

The Reds and Guardians begin their six-game series for the Ohio Cup tonight. Both teams have similar records, but the Guardians have the edge in pitching and run differential.

Key points

Reds and Guardians start six-game Ohio Cup series tonight
Reds have a -14 run differential, Guardians have +4
Key matchups feature Reds' Andrew Abbott vs. Guardians' Tanner Bibee

Cincinnati RedsCleveland Guardians

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 04: Will Benson #30 of the Cincinnati Reds strikes out after the call on the field was overturned in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 04, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Sage Zipeto/Getty Images) | Getty Images The six-game series for the Ohio Cup in 2026 begins tonight. Everything is on the line. Or something like that. The Reds are 23-21 with a -14 run differential (even after just winning by 14 runs yesterday, wow!), 21st in wRC+ at 94, 13th in baserunning runs above average at 1, 17th in Defense at -7.9, 22nd in ERA at 4.65 (4.80 FIP), and 23rd in bullpen ERA at 4.61 (4.95 FIP). The Guardians are 24-21 with a +4 run differential, 19th in wRC+ at 96, eighth in baserunning runs above average at 1.5, 15th in Defense at -6.8, seventh in starting pitcher ERA at 3.72 (4.04 FIP), and 14th in bullpen ERA at 3.95 (3.91 FIP). Right now, the Reds look like a bad team that has been playing over their skis (not unusual for Terry Francona teams, of course), and the Guardians look like a ballclub becoming a good team on paper. Let’s see how that plays out over the next few days. **Matchups**: Friday, 7:10PM ET: Andrew Abbott, LHP 4.47 ERA (4.38 FIP) vs. Tanner Bibee, RHP 4.17 ERA (4.39 FIP) Saturday, 6:10PM ET: Chris Paddack, RHP 7.63 ERA (4.97 FIP) vs. , RHP 3.74 ERA (3.85 FIP) Sunday, 1:40PM ET: , RHP 5.79 ERA (6.18 FIP) vs. , LHP 2.98 ERA (4.12 FIP). The Reds are led by who in a limited sample size has a 224 wRC+, with a 144 wRC+, at 131 wRC+, at 118 wRC+ and at 117 wRC+. Of course, they also have Will Benson who has an 94 wRC+ right now but for his career against his former team has a 226 wRC+ with 4 homers in 37 plate appearances. Would really appreciate our catching savants devising a plan to keep him from repeating that this weekend. The Guardians are led by at 146 wRC+, at 133 wRC+, at 128 wRC+, Travis Bazzana at 117 wRC+, Angel Martinez at 114 wRC+, at 110 wRC+, and both at 108 wRC+, and at 101 wRC+. since May 1st has a 111 wRC+, a trend that really needs to continue for the offense to thrive. The Reds have some hitters so the Guardians really need to score some runs off some favorable pitching matchups to win this series. And keep Will Benson from exacting a horrific revenge yet again.

Q&A

What is the schedule for the Reds vs. Guardians series?

The series schedule includes games on Friday at 7:10 PM ET, Saturday at 6:10 PM ET, and Sunday at 1:40 PM ET.

Who are the key players to watch in the Reds vs. Guardians series?

Key players include the Reds' Will Benson and JJ Bleday, and the Guardians' Chase DeLauter and David Fry.

What are the current standings of the Reds and Guardians?

The Reds are 23-21 with a -14 run differential, while the Guardians are 24-21 with a +4 run differential.