The Cincinnati Reds are entering the 2026 MLB season with a mix of tradition changes and roster concerns. For decades, the franchise held a unique place in baseball history by playing the first game of the MLB season. However, that long-standing tradition has now ended as the league shifts its focus to larger-market matchups.
At the same time, the Reds are also dealing with uncertainty in their pitching rotation after a late spring training injury to starting pitcher Nick Lodolo.
Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Tradition Ends
| Team | Cincinnati Reds |
|---|---|
| Opening Opponent | Boston Red Sox |
| Date | Thursday, March 26, 2026 |
| Venue | Great American Ball Park |
| Game Time | 4:10 PM ET |
For much of the 20th century, the Reds traditionally opened the Major League Baseball season. The franchise often hosted the first official game of the year, making Opening Day a major event in Cincinnati.
In recent years, however, the league has changed its approach by highlighting nationally appealing matchups to launch the season.
As a result, the Reds will begin their season on Thursday against the Boston Red Sox instead of being featured in the league’s first game.
First Game of the 2026 MLB Season
| Matchup | New York Yankees vs San Francisco Giants |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday Night |
| Broadcast | Netflix |
The first game of the 2026 MLB season will feature the New York Yankees facing the San Francisco Giants in a standalone broadcast matchup.
This shift reflects MLB’s effort to showcase high-profile teams and larger markets during the opening night of the season.
Opening Day Still Special in Cincinnati
| City Tradition | Opening Day Celebration |
|---|---|
| Event | Local holiday-style atmosphere |
| Location | Great American Ball Park |
| Community Impact | Major annual event for fans |
Even though the Reds no longer open the league’s schedule, Opening Day remains a special tradition in Cincinnati.
The city continues to treat the home opener as a major celebration, drawing large crowds and community events around the ballpark.
Pitching Rotation Questions Before Season Begins
| Issue | Nick Lodolo Spring Training Injury |
|---|---|
| Injury Type | Blister |
| Status | Uncertain for Opening Day |
| Impact | Possible rotation adjustments |
While the schedule change has drawn attention, the Reds are also facing early-season pitching questions.
Nick Lodolo exited his final spring training start after developing a blister injury. The severity of the injury is still being evaluated, but it could affect the team’s starting rotation early in the season.
Also see: MLB Opening Day 2026: Full Schedule, Key Games, Dodgers Title Defense and What Fans Should Expect
Reds Pitching Rotation Options
| Pitcher | Expected Role |
|---|---|
| Rhett Lowder | Starting Rotation |
| Brandon Williamson | Starting Rotation |
| Chase Burns | Starting Rotation |
Manager Terry Francona explained that the team has multiple options for how it plans to manage the rotation during the opening week of the season.
Terry Francona said, “You’ll see Williamson potentially come in after Burns or maybe even start Williamson and have Lowder do it.”
He added that the team prefers not to reveal its pitching strategy in advance.
Francona said, “We don’t need to say it ahead of time how our strategies go.”
Pitching Depth Becomes Important
| Situation | Rotation Depth Needed |
|---|---|
| Hunter Greene Injury | Already sidelined |
| Lodolo Status | Uncertain |
| Team Approach | Multiple starter options |
With Hunter Greene already dealing with injury concerns and Lodolo’s status uncertain, the Reds may rely heavily on their pitching depth early in the season.
The organization had six starting pitchers ready for Opening Day, which may help them adjust if injuries continue to affect the rotation.
Possible Replacement Options
| Pitcher | Development Status |
|---|---|
| Chase Petty | Young starter showing promise |
| Jose Franco | Minor league pitcher with strong results |
Young pitcher Chase Petty could become one of the immediate options if Lodolo misses time.
Petty struggled during his MLB debut last season but has shown improvement during spring training. In a recent performance, he delivered four scoreless innings with six strikeouts.
After a difficult outing during his debut, Petty reflected on the experience.
Chase Petty said, “You’ve got to execute pitches with two strikes. Just a tough one.”
He added, “I know I’m better than how I performed tonight.”
Another pitcher to watch is Jose Franco, who was named the Reds Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Franco posted a strong 2025 season with a 3.11 ERA in 26 starts.
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