The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 PM ET. Yoshinobu Yamamoto takes the ball for Los Angeles against Cincinnati right-hander Rhett Lowder in a regular season matchup that gives the Dodgers another opportunity to build on their position in the National League standings. SportsNet LA has the television broadcast locally, with Dodgers Radio AM570 carrying the call on the airwaves.

Pitching Matchup: Yamamoto vs. Lowder

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the story on the mound tonight. The right-hander out of Japan was one of the most anticipated signings in franchise history, and every start he makes at Dodger Stadium carries weight. Opposing him is Rhett Lowder, a young arm the Reds have been developing out of their system. Lowder represents a different kind of challenge — a pitcher the Dodgers may not have a deep scouting book on, which means the lineup will need to work counts early and make adjustments as the game unfolds.

Dodgers Starting Lineup

• 1. Tommy Edman, CF
• 2. Will Smith, DH
• 3. Mookie Betts, SS
• 4. Max Muncy, 3B
• 5. Teoscar Hernández, LF
• 6. Kyle Tucker, RF
• 7. Hunter Feduccia, C
• 8. Freddie Freeman, 2B
• 9. Enrique Hernández, 1B

Keys to Watch

Betts, Muncy, and Tucker in the Heart of the Order

The middle of this Dodgers lineup is formidable. Mookie Betts hitting third, Max Muncy cleaning up fourth, and Kyle Tucker slotted sixth gives Los Angeles genuine power threat throughout the order. Lowder will have to navigate that stretch carefully. If Betts gets on base in front of Muncy, this offense can put up crooked numbers in a hurry.

Freeman at Second Base

One of the more interesting lineup decisions tonight is Freddie Freeman hitting eighth and playing second base. Freeman is one of the more accomplished hitters in this lineup on any given night, and his presence near the bottom of the order could create problems for Lowder if the top of the lineup turns over. Keep an eye on how Dave Roberts uses that flexibility.

Yamamoto's Command and Pitch Mix

When Yamamoto is locating his fastball and mixing his splitter effectively, he is difficult to square up. The Reds will need to be disciplined at the plate and avoid expanding the zone. Yamamoto's ability to work deep into games also matters in September, when bullpen management becomes increasingly important.

Prediction

Yamamoto is the difference-maker in this one. If he delivers a quality start — six-plus innings, limiting the Reds to two runs or fewer — the Dodgers offense has enough firepower in this lineup to handle Lowder and come away with a win. Expect the home crowd at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium to be loud on a warm September night. Dodgers win, 5-2.