The Los Angeles Dodgers return to UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Monday, September 7, to host the Cincinnati Reds in a 9:10 PM ET first pitch. Chase Burns gets the ball for Cincinnati, while the Dodgers have yet to name a starter. With the regular season winding toward its final weeks, every game carries real weight, and this one is no exception. SportsNet LA will carry the home broadcast; Spanish-language coverage is available on KTNQ 1020.

Dodgers Starter to Be Determined Against Cincinnati

The biggest storyline heading into Monday's game is the blank line next to the Dodgers' probable pitchers column. Los Angeles has not announced a starter, which could signal a bullpen game, a fresh arm getting a look, or a late-roster decision still in motion. Either way, the Reds will need to be ready for anything, and the Dodgers' staff will need to execute without the luxury of leaning on a single known arm to carry the load.

On the Cincinnati side, Chase Burns draws the assignment. Burns is one of the more closely watched young arms in the National League, and he will have his hands full facing one of the most formidable lineups in baseball at a stadium that plays no favorites.

Lineups: Ohtani Leads a Deep Dodgers Order

Manager Dave Roberts has Shohei Ohtani leading off at DH, with Freddie Freeman slotted second at first base and Tommy Edman third at second base. Max Muncy bats cleanup from the hot corner, followed by Teoscar Hernández in left and Kyle Tucker in right. Hunter Feduccia catches and bats seventh, Alex Call handles center field from the eight spot, and Alex Freeland rounds out the order at shortstop.

That top four alone — Ohtani, Freeman, Edman, Muncy — represents a genuine challenge for any starting pitcher. Burns will need to work efficiently and keep the ball out of the middle of the zone if he wants to last deep into this game.

Cincinnati's Lineup Built Around Elly De La Cruz

The Reds counter with Héctor Rodríguez leading off in right, Elly De La Cruz batting second at short, and Sal Stewart at first base in the three hole. JJ Bleday bats cleanup in left, Tyler Stephenson catches and hits fifth, and Eugenio Suárez is the designated hitter at six. Matt McLain bats seventh at second base, Carlos Jorge handles center field at eight, and Ke'Bryan Hayes closes the order at third base.

De La Cruz remains the key offensive weapon for Cincinnati. His combination of speed and raw power makes him a constant threat, and the Dodgers' pitching staff — whoever takes the mound — will need to avoid letting him beat them in a big spot.

Keys to Watch

• Which arm the Dodgers send to the mound and how deep he can go
• Whether Chase Burns can limit the damage from the Ohtani-Freeman-Muncy core
• Elly De La Cruz's impact on the basepaths and in the batter's box
• How the Dodgers' lineup handles a young, live arm in a late-season setting

Prediction

The Dodgers' lineup depth is a significant advantage here, particularly with the starter situation unresolved for Cincinnati's scouting. Burns is talented, but navigating Ohtani, Freeman, and Muncy in the same game — at Dodger Stadium — is a tall order. Expect the home offense to make noise early. Dodgers win, 5-2.