The Reds face the Braves on Aug 3, 2025, in a historic game at Bristol Motor Speedway. Rookie Chase Burns duels Spencer Strider in MLB's first Tennessee game.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Forget the roar of engines; today, it's all about the crack of the bat. The Cincinnati Reds are set to make history, stepping onto a diamond carved into the infield of the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway for the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic. In a matchup against the formidable Atlanta Braves, the Reds aren't just playing a game; they're part of a spectacle, the first-ever Major League Baseball contest held in the state of Tennessee.
Over the past 30 days, shortstop prospect Tyson Lewis has been on fire, posting a .333/.405/.547 line and earning a promotion to Daytona.
All eyes are on Bristol, where the Reds (58-53) will try to gain ground in the NL Central against the Braves. The setting is surreal, but the stakes are very real. Cincinnati sends rookie Chase Burns (0-3, 6.26 ERA) to the mound in what will be a massive test against Atlanta's ace, Spencer Strider (5-8, 3.71 ERA). While the Reds sit 8.5 games behind the Brewers, a statement win in a nationally televised, high-profile event like this could be the spark they need for a late-season push.
Just in time for this unique series, the Reds' roster received a significant boost. The team activated versatile slugger Miguel Andujar and reliable reliever Zack Littell on Saturday. Perhaps most importantly, outfielder TJ Friedl was reinstated from the restricted list, bringing his energy and defense back to the lineup. Having these key pieces available provides manager David Bell with more depth and flexibility as the team navigates a crucial part of its schedule.
While the big-league club battles in Bristol, the future of the organization continues to shine. Shortstop prospect Tyson Lewis, the team's second-round pick from 2024, is turning heads with a blistering hot streak. Over his last 30 games, Lewis has hit .333 with a .952 OPS, eight extra-base hits, and five steals, earning a well-deserved promotion to full-season ball with the Daytona Tortugas. With numbers like that, don't be surprised if his name enters the conversation for a September call-up. Elsewhere, Héctor Rodríguez added to the power display in the minors, launching his second homer of the season today.
Today is more than just another game on the schedule; it's a chance for the Reds to create a lasting memory and build momentum. With key players back in the fold and a future star like Tyson Lewis rocketing through the system, there's a palpable sense of excitement. A victory at Bristol could be the perfect catalyst to fuel a charge through August and back into the thick of the playoff race.
