SERIES PREVIEW: Cincinnati Reds prepare for UPSTART St. Louis Cardinals to come to town | Breakdown

Craig Sandlin chats with Matt Pauley, studio host for the St Louis Cardinals Radio Network and host of “Sports Open Line” nightly on KMOX in St Louis. The two discuss an offseason that drastically changed the landscape of the Cardinals organization, young stars that are raising the bar, and a look ahead at the weekend's pitching matchups.

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The Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals in a pivotal three-game NL Central series at Great American Ball Park beginning Friday, May 22, 2026. St. Louis enters the weekend as a formidable road team, while Cincinnati looks to gain divisional ground behind their formidable starting rotation.

The Matchups & Pitching Probables
Friday, May 22 (6:40 PM EDT): RHP Kyle Leahy (5-3, 3.94 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against newly acquired RHP Chris Paddack (0-5, 7.07 ERA) for the Reds.

Saturday, May 23 (7:15 PM EDT - FOX): RHP Andre Pallante gets the ball for St. Louis, facing off against RHP Brady Singer (2-4, 6.26 ERA).

Sunday, May 24 (1:40 PM EDT): LHP Nick Lodolo (0-1, 7.20 ERA) starts the finale for Cincinnati, while the Cardinals' starter is yet to be announced.

Reds Looking for Division Ground
The Reds have been powered by an elite starting staff. However, inconsistency in the bullpen and recent injuries—including placing star third baseman Eugenio Suárez on the 10-day injured list—have forced the offense to find alternative ways to produce. Cincinnati's superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz remains the undisputed spark plug of the offense, and his ability to get on base will be vital against a solid St. Louis pitching staff.

Cardinals' Balanced Attack
St. Louis has leaned heavily on a balanced, deep roster and terrific road play. Outfielder Jordan Walker has been a primary run producer, leading the club with double-digit home runs and a high batting average. If the Cardinals can get steady volume and length from their starting rotation to preserve a reliable bullpen, they will be extremely difficult for the Reds to sweep on their home turf.

Playoff Implications
The NL Central is incredibly tight, meaning early-to-mid summer divisional series carry outsized weight. St. Louis is fighting to maintain breathing room near the top of the division alongside the Cubs, while Cincinnati is aiming to string together wins to vault themselves directly into the postseason picture.