Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates Preview
Today's Starting Matchup
Today's starting pitching matchup features Cincinnati Reds's Chase Burns (3-1, 2.65 ERA) against Pittsburgh Pirates's Braxton Ashcraft (1-2, 3.71 ERA).
Cincinnati Reds's Chase Burns posts an solid 2.65 ERA this season, while Braxton Ashcraft has been league-average at 3.71. There is a clear gap in starting pitching quality.
Advanced metrics: Chase Burns — FIP 3.78, K% 28.5%, 34.0 IP / Braxton Ashcraft — FIP 3.10, K% 28.3%, 34.0 IP
Team Season Comparison
2026 season record: Cincinnati Reds 20-13 (.606), Pittsburgh Pirates 18-16 (.529).
Cincinnati Reds holds the edge in the season standings, though Pittsburgh Pirates can't be counted out based on head-to-head matchups.
Recent form: Cincinnati Reds on a 2-game losing streak, Pittsburgh Pirates on a 2-game win streak.
Based on starting pitching, Cincinnati Reds holds the edge.
Bullpen Analysis
Cincinnati Reds bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Andrew Abbott 5.97 ERA, 24 K in 34.2 IP, Brady Singer 5.57 ERA, 20 K in 32.1 IP, Brock Burke 3.52 ERA, 19 K in 15.1 IP.
Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Braxton Ashcraft 3.71 ERA, 39 K in 34.0 IP, Bubba Chandler 4.97 ERA, 27 K in 29.0 IP, Carmen Mlodzinski 4.76 ERA, 40 K in 34.0 IP.