Preview: Reds at Rays, Wednesday, April 22, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The surging Cincinnati Reds will look to complete a series sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday in an interleague matchup at George Steinbrenner Field.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 82 degrees.

The Reds (15-8) have won the first two games of the series decisively, outscoring the Rays 13-1. They enter on a four-game winning streak overall. The Rays (12-10) have dropped three straight after winning their previous five series.

Cincinnati will send right-hander Nick Martinez (0-1) to the mound. Martinez will look for his first win of the season against a Tampa Bay lineup that has mustered just one run in the series.

Tampa Bay will counter with right-hander Trevor Martin, who took the loss in relief on Monday. Martin allowed one run over 2 1/3 innings in that outing.

A player to watch for the Reds is rookie right-hander Rhett Lowder, who dominated the Rays on Monday. Lowder earned the win, allowing one run on five hits over six innings. In his last five starts, he is 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA.

For the Rays, finding offensive traction is critical. They were shut out 7-0 on Tuesday and managed only six total hits in the two losses.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest projects as a high-scoring affair with a predicted final of Reds 7, Rays 6. Despite this, Tampa Bay has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over/under is set at 8 runs.

Following the series, the Reds return home to open a series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday. The Rays will remain in Tampa to host the Minnesota Twins.