Cincinnati Reds probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Philadelphia Phillies, April 13

Probable starting pitchers

The Cincinnati Reds return home after going just 1-5 on their road trip. Two of those five losses came against the team who'll be visiting Great American Ball Park over the next four days. The Philadelphia Phillies begin a road trip of their own with a trip to the Queen City.

Taking the hill for the ole Redlegs tonight will be Nick Lodolo. The left-hander has already faced the Phillies once this season. During his last outing, the 25-year-old spun a gem. Lodolo struck out 12 Philadelphia batters through seven innings while allowing just three hits.

Opposing Lodolo will be fellow left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter. The Phillies southpaw struck out two Reds in his last start and allowed just one run. That was, of course, the solo shot off the bat of Spencer Steer.

Cincinnati Reds starting lineup

Jonathan India will lead things off for the Cincinnati, but will be occupying the DH spot on Thursday night. With a left-hander on the mound, Jake Fraley and TJ Friedl have the night off. Instead, India will be followed by Spencer Steer, Stuart Fairchild, Tyler Stephenson, and Wil Myers.

Welcome back, Nick Senzel. The Reds activated the outfielder shortly before the game. He'll be hitting sixth. To fill out the rest of the right-handed hitting lineup, David Bell decided to send out Kevin Newman, Curt Casali, and Jose Barrero.

Which Cincinnati Reds player needs to bounce back in tonight's game?

Jose Barrero has been hot and cold to begin the 2023 season. The Cincinnati Reds shortstop better start finding a way to get hot and stay hot if he wants to remain in the big leagues. On Wednesday, Barrero went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Barrero has plenty of competition, including fellow shortstop Kevin Newman. With Matt McLain down at Triple-A Louisville and Elly De La Cruz getting ready to start his 2023 campaign, Barrero's going to have to hit the gas or be left in the dust. After going 0-for-2 against Bailey Falter the last time out, the 25-year-old will need a better performance on Thursday night.

Which Cincinnati Reds player will be the X-factor in tonight's game?

Kevin Newman will be the X-factor in tonight's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The former Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop has a batting average over .500 against tonight's starting pitcher Bailey Falter.

Newman will not be starting at shortstop tonight, but will instead be giving Jonathan India a break from the field. Newman has had 92 career starts at the keystone throughout his career.