The Reds need this a lot more than the Twins do considering Minnesota has a 7-game lead in the AL Central. The Twins appear to have the better starting pitcher in Joe Ryan, but he has a 4.76 road ERA and 7.00 in four starts vs. NL teams. Cincy did get some bullpen help today in activating Alex Young (4-2, 3.31) off the IL.

Cincinnati is a half-game out of the last wild card spot. The Reds send out rookie Connor Phillips who has allowed eight earned runs in his first 8.2 innings this season. Minnesota is hitting .271 with a .824 OPS against righties on the road in September. Joe Ryan has struggled on the road this season, but only allowed a combined three earned run in his last two road starts. He faces a Reds offense that has been hitting .221 with a .648 OPS over their last seven days.