Miami Marlins vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Prediction for Sunday August 16 2026

The Miami Marlins (62-61) face off against the Cincinnati Reds (59-62) at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sunday. Get involved in the action with our free MLB picks.

Miami vs. Cincinnati Game Information

• August 16, 2026
• 1:40 PM EST
• Great American Ball Park
• MLB.TV/Marlins.TV/Reds.TV/Fubo

Cincinnati Form & Recent Results

The Reds head into the weekend with plenty of wind in their sails, riding a modest two-game winning streak and securing victories in three of their last five games leading up to Saturday. This positive momentum includes a pair of hard-fought road wins against the White Sox and a thrilling 1-0 shutout victory at home against the Marlins on Friday. That series-opening triumph was a textbook pitcher's duel, punctuated by a masterclass performance from starting pitcher Chase Burns. Burns was absolutely locked in on the mound, carving up the Miami lineup across seven stellar innings while scattering just four hits, issuing zero walks, and racking up eight strikeouts. Catcher Tyler Stephenson provided the ultimate spark on offense, finishing the day 1-for-4 with a sharp single and hustling home to score the solitary, game-winning run for the Reds. Collectively, Cincinnati's offense managed six hits and eight total bases, while the entire pitching staff put on an absolute clinic by combining for 11 strikeouts, four hits allowed, and completely denying the Marlins a single free pass.

As they shift their focus toward Sunday afternoon's series finale against Miami, the Reds will rely heavily on their established offensive leaders to ignite a lineup that has averaged a tightly contested 3.2 runs per game over their last five games. First baseman Sal Stewart continues to anchor the heart of the order, serving as the team's premier power threat and run producer with a roster-high 26 home runs and 89 RBIs on the year. Providing elite protection in the batting order are left fielder JJ Bleday and dynamic shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who are locked in a tie for second on the team with 20 round-trippers apiece. De La Cruz also acts as the team's premier catalyst, pacing the club with a solid .266 batting average. Securing another victory against the Marlins is absolutely vital for Cincinnati, as each win pushes them closer to the elusive .500 mark and helps them chip away at the National League wild-card standings as the postseason race intensifies.

Miami Form & Recent Results

Miami heads into their next matchup looking to snap a minor two-game skid, though their recent overall play paints a much more competitive picture with three victories across their last five games prior to Saturday. That successful run was built entirely at home, featuring a pair of hard-fought wins against the Pirates and another victory over the Angels. Friday night's series opener on the road against the Reds proved to be a heartbreaking, ultra-tight 1-0 pitcher's duel where Miami's bats simply couldn't find the breakthrough hit. Shortstop Otto Lopez did what he could to spark the offense, finishing the night 1-for-4 with a sharp single, but the team ultimately left too many runners stranded. On the defensive side, the Marlins' pitching staff executed a highly efficient game plan, pounding the strike zone relentlessly to register 82 total strikes and keep the team within striking distance until the final out.

When they prepare for a high-stakes series finale on Sunday, the Marlins will look to unlock an offense that has shown plenty of capability, averaging a healthy 4.6 runs per game over their last five games overall. The lineup possesses a solid blend of power and contact, anchored by left fielder Heriberto Hernandez, who provides the primary muscle with a team-high 17 home runs, closely followed by first baseman Kyle Stowers and his 16 round-trippers on the season. The true engine of this Miami offense remains Otto Lopez, who not only anchors the team in run production with 53 RBIs but also sets the table with an outstanding, team-leading .312 batting average. Smelling sweet revenge after Friday's narrow shutout, the Marlins are highly motivated to solve Cincinnati's pitching staff, square up the series, and build some vital momentum before heading to Philadelphia.

Key Stats

• Miami’s Otto Lopez this season: 9 HRs, 53 RBI, .312 AVG
• Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart this season: 26 HRs, 89 RBI, .259 AVG

Miami vs. Cincinnati Picks and Prediction

The Marlins are looking to shake off Friday night's heartbreaking 1-0 shutout against the Reds and after dropping the series opener in such frustrating fashion, Miami is shifting its focus to Sunday's finale for a chance at redemption. Taking the mound for the Marlins is young right-hander Eury Pérez. While his 6-9 record doesn't quite show it, his sharp 3.39 ERA proves he has the stuff to keep Miami competitive. He will face a highly motivated Reds team that is fighting hard to climb higher in the crowded National League Wild Card standings. Cincinnati will counter with southpaw Nick Lodolo, who enters the matchup with a 3-2 record and a 4.86 ERA on the year. Final Score Prediction, Cincinnati Reds win 5-4.