The Los Angeles Dodgers travel to Great American Ball Park on Thursday, September 17, 2026, for a 12:40 PM ET afternoon matchup against the Cincinnati Reds. Justin Wrobleski gets the ball for Los Angeles against right-hander Brady Singer in a regular-season contest with real September stakes. Both clubs are pushing through the final weeks of the schedule, and any ground gained — or lost — at this stage of the year carries weight. SportsNet LA will carry the broadcast for Dodgers fans, with Dodgers Radio AM570 also on the call.

Pitching Matchup: Wrobleski vs. Singer

Justin Wrobleski draws the start for the Dodgers in what figures to be a telling assignment. The left-hander has carved out a role in Los Angeles's rotation, and Thursday's road start against a Reds lineup that can generate contact throughout the order will test his command and ability to keep the ball in the park — a necessary skill at a hitter-friendly venue like Great American Ball Park.

Brady Singer takes the mound for Cincinnati. Singer has shown the ability to eat innings and limit walks, making him a pitcher the Dodgers will need to work counts against rather than expecting free passes. Getting deep into Singer's arsenal early could be the difference between a short outing and a long afternoon for Los Angeles hitters.

Cincinnati Reds Lineup to Watch

The Reds are sending out a lineup that carries genuine punch. Elly De La Cruz slides into the two-hole as the designated hitter — a dangerous bat capable of changing a game in a single swing. Sal Stewart hits third at first base, with veteran catcher Tyler Stephenson anchoring the cleanup spot. The Reds have speed and athleticism at the top of the order with Dane Myers leading off in center field, and TJ Friedl rounds things out in the nine-hole in left.

• Elly De La Cruz (DH, No. 2): The most electric player in this lineup. Wrobleski must avoid leaving anything hittable in the middle of the zone against De La Cruz, who punishes mistakes with authority.
• Tyler Stephenson (C, No. 4): A professional hitter in the heart of the order. Stephenson is the kind of cleanup bat who does damage against both fastballs and breaking stuff.
• Matt McLain (SS, No. 6): McLain has the tools to work counts and make pitchers uncomfortable. Keeping him off base limits Cincinnati's ability to string together rallies.
• TJ Friedl (LF, No. 9): Don't sleep on the nine-hole. Friedl gives the Reds a legitimate offensive threat at the bottom of the order, effectively turning over the lineup with added danger.

Keys to the Game for Los Angeles

• Wrobleski's command early: Great American Ball Park rewards hitters when pitchers lose the zone. Wrobleski needs to establish his fastball and keep Cincinnati's lineup off-balance from the first inning.
• Working Singer's pitch count: Singer is at his best when he can operate efficiently. The Dodgers need patient at-bats, foul off tough pitches, and force him to work deep into counts before he settles in.
• Limiting the big inning: With De La Cruz and Stephenson capable of going back-to-back damage in the middle of the order, the Dodgers bullpen must be ready and Wrobleski cannot let small mistakes compound.
• Road environment readiness: Afternoon starts in Cincinnati can play differently than night games. The Dodgers need sharp focus from the first pitch.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Los Angeles, but it won't come easy. Singer is a capable arm, and the Reds lineup has enough talent to make Wrobleski uncomfortable if his command wavers. The Dodgers have the depth and offensive capability to put together a productive afternoon if they force Singer to throw strikes and cash in when opportunities arise. Expect a competitive, lower-scoring game that could come down to a handful of at-bats in the middle innings. Dodgers edge out a 4-2 win if Wrobleski can get through five solid frames and the bullpen slams the door.