CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cleveland Guardians look to bounce back as they play the Cincinnati Reds in the second of a three-game series today – Saturday, May 17 – at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. This game is available to watch on multiple streaming services for free.

How do I watch Guardians vs. Reds for free?

The game will broadcast live on CleGuardians.TV with the first pitch at 6:40 p.m. Eastern. Those who have cut the cable cord can catch the game for free by utilizing streaming alternatives like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream , which both offer a free trial.

A look at the Cleveland Guardians

Despite losing their last two games, the Guardians (25-19) are still among the toughest teams in the American League. They continue to chase the Detroit Tigers atop the AL Central, trailing by 4.5 games.

Cleveland has had better days than they’ve had in recently. While the Guardians lineup has scored nine runs in the last two games, but the pitching staff surrendered nine runs against the Brewers on Wednesday and five runs in Friday’s loss to the Reds.

That puts the Guards in 21st place in run differential, with their opponents out scoring them by 15 runs this season.

Guardians players to watch

Ramirez has homered in his last three games and is hitting .294 with 9 home runs and 23 RBI this season. Coming off arguably his best season that came with a sixth career MLB All Star nod, an ALL-MLB first team selection, and a fifth career Silver Slugger Award, Ramirez will look to keep things going.

Kwan sits with four home runs and 17 RBI with a .320 batting average, which is tied for fourth in the AL. Coming off his third Gold Glove Award, along with his first career All-Star nod, Kwan will be pivotal in any success garnered by Cleveland.

A look at the Cincinnati Reds

The Reds (22-24) are looking to win a third game in a row, having defeated the Chicago White Sox on Thursday and then beating Cleveland on Friday night. Former Guardians player Will Benson hit a three-run homer to spark the Reds to a 5-4 win over in-state rival.

Cincinnati sits just 4.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.

Reds players to watch

When you think about the best players for this Reds squad, Cruz is one of the headliners that has kept the wheels turning. Through 179 at-bats, he leads the team in hits (46), RBIs (31) and home runs (8).

He’s been producing at this rate for some time, too, especially after garnering an All-Star nod in 2024. His 67 stolen bases led the major leagues last year.

Having signed the largest bonus ever for an undrafted free agent in 2016, Friedl has further shown why he deserved it.

So far this season, he’s second on the Reds in batting average (.269), hits (43) and runs (23).

Keeping up this kind of play can help the Reds become a sneaky contender in the long run.

The left fielder joined the Reds after winning a World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and you have to believe his championship experience will inspire the team to chase that same winning feeling.

Lux actually leads the Reds in batting average (.297), is third in total bases (59), and tied for first in walks (21). Despite having one home run, he can make up for that in other areas.

Today’s pitching matchup

Cecconi (oblique) is returning from the 15-day injured list to start Saturday’s game against the Reds, and will make his debut this season. The righthander spent his first two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, compiling a 2-8 record with a 6.06 ERA.

Normally a reliever, the lefthanded Suter is looking to pick up a win in just his second start. In 21 2/3 innings pitched this season, he has struck out 13 against 4 walks.

What are the latest odds for Guardians vs. Reds?

Spread: CLE: (-1.5), CIN: (+1.5)

Channel: CleGuardians.TV

, , , , DIRECTV and Dish .