The Milwaukee Brewers head to Great American Ball Park on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for a 7:10 PM ET showdown with the Cincinnati Reds. Right-hander Brandon Sproat gets the ball for Milwaukee against Cincinnati's Nick Lodolo in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup between two clubs battling for position in the NL Central. With the regular season well into its second half, every game in the division carries real weight, and the Brewers can ill afford to give away a series opener on the road.

Starting Pitching Matchup: Sproat vs. Lodolo

Brandon Sproat draws the start for the Brewers in what continues to be a proving ground for the young right-hander at the big-league level. Sproat has the stuff to keep a lineup honest — a lively fastball and a breaking ball that can generate chase — but command and consistency will be the story to watch in a ballpark that can punish any mistake left over the heart of the plate. Great American Ball Park plays friendly to hitters, so Sproat cannot afford to fall behind in counts or let his pitch execution slip.

On the other side, Nick Lodolo has the makings of a genuine rotation piece for Cincinnati. The left-hander's extension and angle give him a natural edge against left-handed bats, and he has the ability to work deep into games when his curveball is sharp. Milwaukee's lineup will need to work counts early and make Lodolo throw strikes rather than expand the zone.

Keys to Watch for the Brewers

• Sproat's command early: If he falls behind hitters in the first two innings, the Reds' lineup — led by Elly De La Cruz's elite speed and athleticism — can turn a manageable situation into a crooked number in a hurry.
• Handling De La Cruz: The Reds' shortstop is a problem at the plate and on the bases. Sproat and the Milwaukee battery must be disciplined about not letting him take an extra base or turn a single into a multi-base event.
• Exploiting Lodolo's platoon tendencies: If the Brewers have right-handed bats in the lineup, they need to be aggressive early in counts against a lefty who can be hittable when he is not locating his curveball.
• Bullpen management: With Great American Ball Park's hitter-friendly dimensions, the Brewers' skipper will need to be decisive about pulling Sproat if the command starts to desert him in the middle innings.

Cincinnati Reds Lineup to Watch

The Reds are running out a balanced order Tuesday night. Blake Dunn sets the table from the leadoff spot in center, followed by De La Cruz at short. JJ Bleday hits third, with Sal Stewart protecting the middle of the order at first base. Nathaniel Lowe slides into the DH spot at five, Eugenio Suárez brings veteran pop at third, and Noelvi Marte, Jose Trevino, and Edwin Arroyo round out the bottom of the order. This is a lineup with enough athleticism and pop to punish a pitcher who lacks precision.

Prediction

This one figures to be tightly contested. Lodolo at home is a tough draw, and Great American Ball Park keeps the offense in play regardless of pitching matchup. The Brewers need Sproat to give them five or six clean innings to keep the bullpen fresh for the later frames. Milwaukee is capable of stealing this opener if they manufacture runs early and make Lodolo work. Call it a 4-3 Brewers win if Sproat can navigate the middle of Cincinnati's order — but this is a game the Crew needs to earn, not just show up for.

Catch the game on Brewers.TV Presented by Potawatomi Sportsbook or listen on WTMJ 620 AM.