The Reds aren't whole yet with TJ Friedl and Matt McLain on the injured list, but they still should rake at home. Elly De La Cruz is a Human Highlight Reel. As the city with the first professional baseball franchise (started in 1869), Cincinnati does Opening Day like no other so it should be a legit home-field advantage today. Nats starter Josiah Gray had an ERA near 6.00 this spring and allowed five runs over five innings in his lone start vs. the Reds in 2023.

A bit of a surprise here to see Frankie Montas making an opening-day start for the Reds, as he was a late signee after missing almost the entirety of last season with the Yankees due to shoulder problems. Still, Cincy is a chic pick to steal the NL Central after emerging as a playoff contender a year ago. Meanwhile, at the outset, we look against the Nats, which we suspect will have another slow start, while waiting for the call-ups of Trey Lipscomb, Cade Cavalli, James Wood, Robert Hassell and Dylan Crews to provide upgrades downstream. Play Reds on Run Line