Cincinnati Reds 2026 Regular Season Schedule and Matchup Details

The Cincinnati Reds are currently navigating a pivotal stretch of the 2026 MLB season. As of late April, the team holds a promising 13-8 record, placing them at the top of the National League Central division. Fans looking for the latest game times, pitching matchups, and venue details will find the comprehensive schedule for the upcoming weeks below.

Immediate Schedule Outlook: April 26 – May 3, 2026

For fans looking for the quickest answer to "when do the Reds play next," here is the immediate slate of games. Today, Sunday, April 26, the Reds conclude their home series against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park.

Analyzing the Late April Home Stand

The current home stand at Great American Ball Park is a critical period for the Reds to solidify their lead in the NL Central. Following the interleague matchup with the Detroit Tigers, the Colorado Rockies arrive in Cincinnati for a three-game series.

April 26: Series Finale vs. Detroit Tigers

Today's matchup features a fascinating battle of experience versus youth. Rhett Lowder (2-1, 3.52 ERA) takes the mound for the Reds, facing off against veteran Justin Verlander (0-1, 12.27 ERA). While Verlander’s early-season ERA is uncharacteristically high, his historical dominance makes this a high-stakes finale for the home crowd.

April 28 – April 30: Three Games Against the Colorado Rockies

The Rockies series offers the Reds an opportunity to capitalize on home-field advantage.

• Tuesday Night (6:40 PM): Chase Burns (1-1, 2.42 ERA) will lead the rotation. Burns has been one of the most consistent starters for Cincinnati early this season, showing elite command of his secondary pitches.
• Wednesday Night (6:40 PM): Nick Lodolo is scheduled to make a highly anticipated start. This game serves as a key test for the Reds' rotation depth.
• Thursday Afternoon (12:40 PM): The series concludes with a "Businessperson’s Special" matinee. Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) looks to bounce back and secure his first win of the season against Ryan Feltner.

May 2026: Entering the Divisional Gauntlet

As the calendar turns to May, the Cincinnati Reds head on the road for a vital series against divisional rivals, the Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by a trip to the historic Wrigley Field.

May 1 – May 3: Battle at PNC Park

The series in Pittsburgh is always a gritty affair. PNC Park remains one of the most beautiful venues in baseball, but for the Reds, it is a business trip.

• Pitching Focus: The May 2nd game will be nationally televised on FS1, featuring a matchup between Brandon Williamson and Paul Skenes, which is expected to be a premier pitching duel between two of the league's rising stars.
• Ticket Note: Tickets for this road series are starting at $34.64, significantly higher than some mid-week home games in Cincinnati, reflecting the high demand for this regional rivalry.

May 4 – May 7: Four Games at Chicago Cubs

Following Pittsburgh, the Reds travel to Chicago. Wrigley Field provides a unique atmosphere where the wind can turn a pitcher's duel into a high-scoring shootout in minutes. All four games are scheduled for late afternoon or evening starts, with the series finale on Thursday, May 7, being a 2:20 PM ET matinee.

Returning to Cincinnati: May 8 – May 14

The Reds return home for two consecutive series against the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals.

The Interleague Clash: Houston Astros (May 8 – May 10)

Hosting the Astros is a significant benchmark for the 2026 Reds.

• Friday, May 8: 6:10 PM ET start.
• Saturday, May 9: 4:10 PM ET start, televised on FS1.
• Sunday, May 10: 1:40 PM ET start (Mother's Day).

Mid-Week Action: Washington Nationals (May 12 – May 14)

The Nationals series features some of the most affordable ticket options of the season, with entries as low as $10.44 for the Wednesday and Thursday games.

Full 2026 Season Overview and Highlights

The 2026 Cincinnati Reds schedule is designed to celebrate both the team's storied history and its modern aspirations. The season began on March 26 with a home opener against the Boston Red Sox, a series where the Reds took two out of three games to set a positive tone for the year.

Key Promotional Dates at Great American Ball Park

Attending a game in Cincinnati is about more than just the box score. Several upcoming dates feature fan-favorite promotions:

• Post-Game Fireworks: Typically held on Friday nights, including the upcoming April 24 and May 8 games.
• Hall of Fame Induction: Saturday, April 25, marked the induction ceremony for the 2026 Reds Hall of Fame class.
• Bobblehead Days: Collectibles like the Noelvi Marte "Wall Catch" bobblehead (previously distributed in mid-April) drive massive crowds to the gates.

Divisional Rivalries to Watch

Beyond the immediate schedule, fans should circle the following series:

1. Cleveland Guardians (The Ohio Cup): The battle for Ohio continues in mid-May (May 15-17) at Progressive Field.
2. St. Louis Cardinals: A major home series occurs in late May (May 22-24), including a nationally televised Fox game on Saturday night.
3. Milwaukee Brewers: The chase for the NL Central title often goes through Milwaukee, with several key matchups scheduled for June and July.

Venue Information: Great American Ball Park

Located at 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Great American Ball Park has served as the Reds' home since 2003. The stadium’s design pays homage to Cincinnati's riverfront history, most notably with the replica steamboat smokestacks in right-center field. These stacks aren't just for show; they emit flames and launch fireworks to celebrate Reds home runs and victories.

With a seating capacity of approximately 42,000, the park offers diverse viewing experiences, from the "Sun Deck" in right field to the premium "Diamond Club" behind home plate. For the 2026 season, the Reds have emphasized dynamic pricing, making mid-week games against non-divisional opponents highly accessible for families.

How to Watch and Listen

For fans who cannot make it to the riverfront, the Reds provide extensive broadcast coverage:

• Television: Most games are broadcast on the Cincinnati Reds TV network (via Gray Media and local affiliates like WXIX FOX19). National broadcasts frequently appear on FOX, FS1, and Apple TV+.
• Radio: The legendary WLW 700 remains the flagship station for the Reds Radio Network, providing play-by-play coverage across the Midwest.

Summary of Upcoming Schedule

The next few weeks will define the Cincinnati Reds' momentum heading into the summer months. With a strong starting rotation led by Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder, and a favorable home stand against the Rockies, the team is well-positioned to maintain its lead in the NL Central. Fans are encouraged to check official ticket marketplaces early, especially for high-demand weekend series against the Astros and Cardinals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time is the Reds game today?

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Reds play the Detroit Tigers at 1:40 PM ET at Great American Ball Park.

How much are Cincinnati Reds tickets in 2026?

Ticket prices vary significantly. While high-profile Saturday games can start around $24.40, mid-week games against teams like the Colorado Rockies or Washington Nationals often have tickets available for as low as $10 to $12.

Who is the starting pitcher for the next Reds game?

For the series opener against the Colorado Rockies on April 28, Chase Burns (1-1, 2.42 ERA) is the projected starter for Cincinnati.

Where do the Cincinnati Reds play their home games?

The Reds play at Great American Ball Park, located in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, along the banks of the Ohio River.

Which channel is the Reds game on?

The majority of games are aired on the local Cincinnati Reds TV network. Upcoming national broadcasts include the May 2nd game at Pittsburgh and the May 9th game against Houston, both on FS1.