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Cincinnati (72-72) at San Diego (79-65)
- When: Sep 9 2025, 9:40 PM
- Where: PETCO Park, San Diego
- Where to watch: SDPA
Reds vs Padres – Game Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Moneyline: San Diego -189
Total: 8.0
RunLine: San Diego -1.5 (+120)
San Diego Padres Betting Outlook
The Padres (79-65) are heating up at the right time, winners of three straight after pulling out a 4-3 walk-off in extras on Monday night. Sitting just a game behind the Dodgers in the NL West, every contest now feels like playoff baseball.
Michael King (4-2, 2.81 ERA) will be tasked with building momentum. After battling a nerve issue and knee inflammation that derailed his summer, King has taken a cautious approach to this comeback. He looked sharp in a simulated game, stretching out to 70 pitches, and is expected to go 75-80 against the Reds.
King owns solid numbers against Cincinnati, 2-0 with a 2.53 ERA across four career appearances. His focus is clear: treat this as a must-win start, not just another step back from the injured list. With San Diego’s bullpen in good form, the Padres will expect King to hand them a lead after five innings.
Padres Prop Pick: Michael King Over 5.5 Strikeouts – His swing-and-miss stuff should play against a Reds lineup that has been prone to whiffs.
Cincinnati Reds Betting Outlook
The Reds (72-72) are fighting for their playoff lives but are running out of rope. Monday’s collapse against San Diego stung badly, up 3-0 late before the bullpen gave it away. Now four games back of the final NL Wild Card with just 18 left, Cincinnati is desperate.
Zack Littell (9-8, 3.81 ERA) gets the ball, looking to rebound after giving up five runs in 4 1/3 innings against Toronto. He’s had some history versus San Diego, including a win earlier this season while with Tampa Bay, but overall his career ERA against them sits at 4.98. The Reds will need him to give length, especially with their bullpen cracking under pressure.
Offensively, Cincinnati hasn’t been able to consistently string hits together. Nick Lodolo gave them a cushion on Monday, but the bats went silent against San Diego’s relievers. If they want to salvage the series, they’ll need someone beyond Elly De La Cruz to spark this offense.
Reds Prop Pick: Elly De La Cruz Over 1.5 Total Bases – His speed and power give him multiple ways to clear this line.
MLB Prediction & Betting Angle
San Diego is priced as a -189 moneyline favorite, with the total set at 8.0 runs. The Padres are pushing hard in the division race, while the Reds look like a team fading under the weight of urgency.
King delivers a solid return, the bullpen keeps it steady, and San Diego edges closer to the Dodgers. Cincinnati, meanwhile, continues its slide.
Final Score Prediction: Padres 5, Reds 2
Lean: San Diego -1.5 (+120)
Total: Under 8.0 (-118)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
