The Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals will meet on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Kauffman Stadium in the rubber match of their three-game interleague series, with both clubs looking to capture a crucial midweek win as they chase momentum heading into June. The Reds, entering the game at 27–28, are attempting to claw back to .500 and gain ground in the tightly packed NL Central, while the Royals, at 29–26, are looking to stay within striking distance of the division-leading Guardians in the AL Central. Cincinnati is expected to hand the ball to Hunter Greene, whose powerful fastball and improving control give the Reds a legitimate chance to shut down even the most disciplined lineups; Greene enters the matchup with a growing reputation for swing-and-miss stuff, but his ability to work deep into games and avoid free passes remains a key factor. Offensively, the Reds have been led by the electric Elly De La Cruz, whose blend of power, speed, and dynamic defense has made him the spark plug of a lineup that also includes the steady Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl, and Jonathan India—all of whom contribute through gap-to-gap power and clutch situational hitting. The Reds’ offense averages just over 4.5 runs per game, but their output has come in waves, often relying on De La Cruz to ignite rallies or turn singles into doubles with his speed.

The bullpen, while showing flashes of reliability, has lacked consistent dominance, leaving Cincinnati vulnerable in close games, particularly when Greene doesn’t go deep or the defense slips. Meanwhile, the Royals have enjoyed a surprisingly strong season, entering with a 29–26 record and a 17–9 home mark that highlights their ability to win at Kauffman Stadium behind solid pitching, elite defense, and timely hitting. Michael Wacha is expected to start for Kansas City, bringing a 3–4 record with a commendable 3.21 ERA and veteran savvy that’s helped anchor a rotation full of evolving young arms; Wacha’s efficiency and ability to induce weak contact have given manager Matt Quatraro a dependable presence every five days. Kansas City’s offense has been led by Bobby Witt Jr., who boasts a .293 average and has been among the league leaders in hits and runs scored, while Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino have provided muscle in the middle of the order. The Royals average around 4.7 runs per game and play smart, small-ball baseball, often pushing for extra bases, putting pressure on opposing defenses, and capitalizing on mistakes with clean execution. Their bullpen, led by James McArthur and John Schreiber, has closed out tight games effectively, and Kansas City’s 9–7 record in one-run games reflects a team that thrives in close contests. With both squads holding near-even ATS records—Cincinnati at 29–25 and Kansas City at 28–26—this matchup is shaping up to be tightly contested, and the outcome may come down to which starter can limit damage early and which bullpen can best preserve a slim lead late. For the Reds, it’s a chance to reset their season trajectory, while the Royals can continue asserting themselves as a legitimate threat in the AL Central with a series-clinching win.