The Toronto Blue Jays wrap up the final stretch of the 2026 regular season at home, hosting the Cincinnati Reds at Rogers Centre on Friday, September 25 at 7:07 PM ET. Cincinnati sends left-hander Nick Lodolo to the mound, while Toronto has yet to name a starter. With the calendar winding down on the regular season, every game at the dome carries weight — for players building momentum, roster spots on the line, and a fanbase that demands results right to the final out.
Pitching Matchup: Nick Lodolo Starts for Cincinnati, Jays Starter TBD
Lodolo gets the ball for the Reds on Friday night. The left-hander has been a fixture in Cincinnati's rotation and brings the kind of deceptive, angle-driven delivery that can give hitters fits — particularly if his secondary stuff is sharp. The concern for Toronto is that a confirmed starter on the other side means the Jays' lineup needs to be dialed in early, because Lodolo is capable of working deep into a game when he's on.
On the Toronto side, no probable pitcher has been announced. That's a storyline worth tracking as first pitch approaches. Whether the Jays go with a veteran arm, a young option getting a late-season look, or a bullpen game, that decision shapes how the Jays approach this one strategically. Keep an eye on the lineup card and any pre-game roster moves heading into Friday.
Keys to Watch
- Jays' Starter Decision: The biggest question mark entering Friday is who takes the ball for Toronto. That answer will define the game plan and whether the bullpen gets taxed early.
- Handling Lodolo's Left-Handed Angle: Lodolo's arm side can be particularly tricky for right-handed bats. Toronto's lineup construction and how they attack early counts against him will be critical.
- Late-Season Hustle: September baseball has a way of separating teams that compete through the final game from those that coast. Watch how both clubs carry themselves in a game that, on paper, may lack standings drama — the quality of at-bats and defensive effort will tell you a lot.
- Rogers Centre Crowd: A Friday night home game brings energy to the dome. Toronto's lineup tends to feed off a engaged crowd, and the Jays have the opportunity to send their fans home happy heading into the weekend.
How to Watch Blue Jays vs. Reds
Friday's game is broadcast on Sportsnet and TVA Sports, with radio coverage on SN590 THE FAN. Cincinnati fans can catch the action on Reds.TV and WLW 700 AM.
Prediction: Blue Jays Win a Competitive Home Finish
Playing at Rogers Centre with a full house on a Friday night, Toronto has the home-field advantage and the motivation that comes with wrapping up a regular season on the right note. Lodolo is a legitimate challenge, but without knowing the Jays' pitching answer yet, this one feels like it stays close into the middle innings. Expect a tight, professional baseball game — and the Jays to find a way to get it done in front of their home crowd. Blue Jays 4, Reds 2.
