Reds vs. Padres Prediction and Odds for Monday, April 18 (Manaea To Dominate Pathetic Reds Lineup)
By Joe Summers
The 2-8 Cincinnati Reds bring a six-game losing streak into San Diego today at 9:40 PM EST as they begin a four-game series against the 6-5 Padres.
Nick Lodolo is tasked with ending the Reds' skid as he makes his second big-league start in this one. Lodolo gave up five runs on seven hits and three walks over four innings against the Guardians in his debut, but was superb at limiting hard contact. He just couldn't control his pitches, as evidenced by giving up two runs without a hit in the second inning thanks to two hit batters.
San Diego will counter with Sean Manaea, who has been superb in his first two starts in a Padres uniform. After shutting the Diamondbacks out over seven innings in his 2022 debut, Manaea gave up just two runs in six innings against the Giants last week.
Can Manaea hurl another gem to give the Padres back-to-back wins or will Cincinnati finally get back in the win column?
Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to help us pick a winner in this Reds vs Padres matchup:
Reds vs Padres Odds, Run Line and Total
Run Line:
- Reds +1.5 (-140)
- Padres -1.5 (+115)
Moneyline:
- Reds: +155
- Padres: -170
Total:
- 7.5 (Over +100/Under -120)
Reds vs Padres Prediction and Pick
Cincinnati's offense has been among the very worst in baseball. They're dead last in on-base percentage, second-to-last in batting average and slugging percentage, and haven't scored more than three runs in five straight games.
It's unfortunate then, that they get to take on Manaea today, who has been simply brilliant. When it rains, it pours, I guess. Dating back to the end of last season, Manaea has allowed two or fewer runs in four straight starts. While the Padres' bullpen has struggled, their new ace should last deep enough against a pathetic Reds lineup to give those arms a break.
Lodolo has a ton of potential, as evidenced by his 38% strikeout rate in the minor leagues, but whew, does my man ever need to get his command under control. San Diego ranks sixth in the MLB in walks per game and should get plenty of free passes from the volatile youngster today.
The Reds have lost every game of their six-game losing streak by multiple runs and I don't see them turning things around against Manaea.
I'll be backing the Padres on the run line, but I also love the over on Manaea's strikeouts prop. It's set at 6.5 (+120) and with the Reds' ranking 26th in strikeouts per game, I think the Padres' starter is in great position to hit the over.
Pick: Padres -1.5 (+115) and Sean Manaea Over 6.5 K's (+120)
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.