Reds Aim to Complete Series Against Diamondbacks as Arizona Deals With Marte Absence

The Cincinnati Reds will attempt to secure the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks on what promises to be a competitive matchup between two clubs heading in opposite directions. Cincinnati, struggling to stay relevant in the playoff race, has seen its season derail significantly after a strong 20-11 start, followed by an eight-game losing skid that dropped the team below .500 where it has remained since early June. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, remain in playoff contention and sit just a few games behind the final Wild Card spot despite ongoing distractions within the organization.

Andrew Abbott takes the mound for Cincinnati carrying a 6-8 record with a 4.08 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across the season. The left-hander has shown a marked statistical advantage pitching on the road, posting a 3.36 ERA in away games compared to a 4.78 ERA at home, with identical innings pitched (69.2) in each situation. Abbott faced Arizona earlier this season and performed credibly, surrendering just four hits and one solo home run over five innings.

Arizona counters with Mitch Bratt, who has made nine starts this season spanning 36.2 innings with a 1-2 record, 4.17 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. The young pitcher has thrived at home with a 2.04 ERA across three Arizona starts but has struggled significantly on the road with a 6.16 ERA. Bratt has never faced the Reds lineup.

The Diamondbacks face an unexpected challenge off the field as star infielder Ketel Marte remains absent from the team, with reports indicating he was spotted at a casino while the club played nearby. The organization has offered no clear explanation for his disappearance, creating uncertainty as Arizona pushes toward the postseason stretch.