The reigning NL champs in the Arizona Diamondbacks will face off with the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park! Join us for our MLB odds series where our Diamondbacks-Reds prediction and pick will be made. 

Entering play with a 16-20 record, the D-Backs need to start putting their rears into gear if they want to replicate last season's success. Most recently, Arizona found themselves in the midst of a three-game losing streak before they finally broke back into the win column with an 11-4 victory over the San Diego Padres. Arizona also earned a 6-3 win over Cincinnati in the first game of this mid-week series. Getting the start will be lefty Jordan Montgomery who is 1-2 with a 5.62 ERA on the young season.

Meanwhile, the Reds will attempt to defend their home diamond after getting swept by the Baltimore Orioles. In ugly fashion, the Reds have been defeated in six consecutive outings and are now three games under .500 at 16-19. Tasked with saving the day will end up being righty Graham Ashcraft who is 3-1 with a 3.62 ERA in six total starts.

Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Diamondbacks-Reds Odds

Arizona Diamondbacks: -1.5 (+126)

Moneyline: -124

Cincinnati Reds: +1.5 (-152)

Moneyline: +106

Over: 9 (-105)

Under: 9 (-115)

How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Reds

Time: 6:40 ET/3:40 PT

TV: MLB.TV

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Diamondbacks Will Cover The Spread/Win

It hasn't been the start the Arizona organization or its fans dreamed of, but the talent that exists on this roster is more than evident.

At first glance, the outcome of this game and the possibility that the Diamondbacks could cover the spread may end up falling on the shoulders of pitcher Jordan Montgomery. When first arriving to the scene several months ago, many believed that Montgomery was the perfect piece to an Arizona starting pitching staff that needed some depth. Even though the former New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals hurler is off to a rocky start as a member of the Diamondbacks, his early season struggles shouldn't be expected to last forever. After getting shellacked by the ultra-talented Los Angeles Dodgers for six earned runs, don't be alarmed if Montgomery is due for a solid outing.

In addition to the team having scored the fifth-most runs in baseball and looking extremely formidable with the bats, the Diamondbacks will also be looking to improve their record when slated as favorites at -117 or more. Currently, the Arizona Moneyline is at -122. With a 50% win rate when this occurs, the D-Backs will surely want to improve in this sense.

Why The Reds Will Cover The Spread/Win

It has been a struggle to say the least if you are the Cincinnati Reds. Luckily, this isn't the NFL where only 17 games played. In fact, with more than five months remaining in the regular season, the Reds should have plenty of time to get the ball rolling before it is too late. Regardless, as the month of May has progressed, the worse Cincy has gotten, and the team will no doubt want to rid themselves of their losing ways as soon as possible.

Despite a 2-8 record in their last ten, the Reds offense has hit a lull. Slashing only 4.3 runs per contest when at home, Cincinnati's scuffles at home are a head-scratcher, and it may be up to Graham Ashcraft to reverse this disturbing trend. The 26-year-old got off to a slow start to the season, but he has picked up the pace as of late. In his previous two starts, he has given up one single run spanning more than 13 innings pitched. Call me crazy, but if the Reds are going to make a return to their winning ways, then a masterful performance on the mound could be just what the doctor ordered.

If all else fails, perhaps star shortstop Elly De La Cruz can break out of his mini-slump at the plate. Woefully, De La Cruz is only raking .245 in his previous 15 games. Luckily, he does sport a .822 OPS which could be come into play in this one if the young superstar can barrel one up from inside the batter's box. For Cincy's case, an outburst from a scary hitter might get the job done to get back to the win column. If not, it may be the Reds who might be staring at the face of defeat yet again.

Final Diamondbacks-Reds Prediction & Pick

The Diamondbacks looked not to be messed with in the 6-3 win over the Reds, and a similar outing may be in the cards in this one. Take the ‘Snakes!

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Final Diamondbacks-Reds Prediction & Pick: Diamondbacks -1.5 (+126)