The Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks meet at Chase Field on August 23, 2025, in a matchup that blends playoff implications with a fascinating clash of momentum and volatility, as the Reds arrive riding a strong ATS stretch while the Diamondbacks look to build on flashes of form that have kept them afloat in a crowded National League race. Cincinnati enters at 67–61, holding a positive recent betting profile after going 7–3 ATS in their last 10 games, and with their combination of strong starting pitching and opportunistic offense, they look like a club capable of tightening its grip on a postseason berth. Their star on the mound, Andrew Abbott, has been among baseball’s elite this season, boasting the best ERA+ in the league and anchoring a rotation that has given the Reds confidence every fifth day. Abbott’s ability to dominate with command and poise has allowed the Reds’ bullpen to work in ideal leverage spots, and when combined with an offense led by Elly De La Cruz’s electricity, Nick Castellanos’ veteran power, and timely contributions from role players like TJ Friedl and Miguel Andújar, Cincinnati has proven capable of grinding out wins in both close contests and higher-scoring affairs. Arizona, meanwhile, sits at 62–66, just under .500 but not far removed from contention, with their inconsistency being the main storyline of their season. Their ATS record of 30–32 reflects that same unpredictability, as they’ve struggled to string together covers despite talent scattered across the roster.

The bright spot has been the resurgent season of Eugenio Suárez, who has launched 36 home runs and driven in 87 RBIs, giving the Diamondbacks the kind of middle-of-the-order punch that can flip a game with one swing. On the pitching side, Arizona turns to Nabil Crismatt, who has impressed in limited action with a 1.80 ERA and 258 ERA+ since joining the rotation, providing intrigue as a fresh arm but also uncertainty as he tests himself against one of the hottest teams in the league. The Diamondbacks’ bullpen has been shaky at times, and for them to keep pace, they’ll need length from Crismatt or Ryne Nelson in this series and sharper execution late, as blown leads have plagued them throughout 2025. Defensively, Arizona has been solid, but lapses at inopportune moments have cost them games, a problem that cannot resurface against a Reds club that thrives on taking advantage of extra outs. The betting market reflects Cincinnati’s edge, with the Reds listed as –128 favorites on the moneyline and –1.5 on the run line, while the over/under of nine runs reflects the potential for offense from Arizona’s middle bats paired with Cincinnati’s opportunistic scoring. For bettors, Cincinnati’s ATS form and Abbott’s dominance make them the sharper side, but Arizona’s home field and offensive volatility suggest they could play spoiler if their pitching surprises. Ultimately, this matchup comes down to execution: if Abbott continues his ace-level dominance and the Reds’ bats do just enough, Cincinnati should control the contest, but if Suárez and the Diamondbacks’ lineup catch fire against Abbott early, this could be closer than the odds suggest. In a season where both clubs are still scrapping for postseason footing, every game matters, and this one may serve as a litmus test for Cincinnati’s ability to handle business on the road and for Arizona’s resilience as a potential late-season spoiler.