Reds Wrap Up Cactus League Play Against Guardians

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The Cincinnati Reds will play their final Cactus League game on Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians before heading to Milwaukee for a pair of exhibition games and then opening the regular season at home against the Boston Red Sox. The Reds have finalized their roster, including adding non-roster invitee Nathaniel Lowe and opting to include Sam Moll while sending several spring standouts to Triple-A for additional depth.

Why it matters

The Reds' final Cactus League game will give fans a preview of the team's Opening Day roster and lineup as they prepare to start the 2026 season. With the roster set, the focus now shifts to the regular season and the team's quest to improve on their 2025 performance.

The details

The Reds made several roster moves on Saturday, officially informing non-roster invitee Nathaniel Lowe that he would make the Opening Day roster. The team also opted to include Sam Moll, who is out of options, while using existing minor league options to send JJ Bleday, Rece Hinds, and Zach Maxwell to Triple-A for additional depth. On Sunday, the Reds will face the Guardians in their Cactus League finale, with Lowe getting a start at first base batting cleanup. Nick Lodolo will take the mound for the Reds.

• The Reds' Cactus League finale is on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
• The Reds will then head to Milwaukee for a pair of exhibition games against the Brewers.
• The Reds' regular season will begin on Thursday, March 27, 2026 at home against the Boston Red Sox.

What’s next

The Reds will head to Milwaukee for a pair of exhibition games against the Brewers before opening the regular season at home against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, March 27, 2026.