Shane Jackson, BetMGM

After losing a three-game series to the Seattle Mariners to end a six-game road trip, the Cincinnati Reds will return home for a weekend set against the Los Angeles Angels.

The series opener on Friday will be Cincinnati’s first home game since April 10 and the start of a seven-game homestand with a series against the Philadelphia Phillies on deck. The Reds are 4-5 at home this season after finishing 38-43 inside the Great American Ball Park in 2023.

According to the BetMGM online sportsbook, Cincinnati has a chance to earn its first series victory since a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox last weekend.

Here is a look at how both the Reds and Angels stack up entering the three-game set:

Friday, April 19

• First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET
• Projected starting pitchers: Nick Lodolo (Reds) vs. Tyler Anderson (Angels)

Left-hander Nick Lodolo made his much-anticipated return on Saturday, marking his first major league appearance since May 6. He made seven starts for the Reds last year before being sidelined with a stress reaction in his left tibia.

In his return against the White Sox last weekend, Lodolo struck out 10 batters while throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings. The 6-foot-6 southpaw only gave up one hit and demonstrated great command by walking just one batter.

According to Baseball Savant, Lodolo posted a 40% whiff rate after recording a 30.4% clip in seven starts last year. His strikeout prop could be worth a look, depending on what the baseball odds end up being ahead of the series opener.

Los Angeles left-hander Tyler Anderson has a 2-1 record with a 1.47 ERA through three starts, striking out 12 batters across 18 1/3 innings.

Saturday, April 20

• First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET
• Projected starting pitchers: Graham Ashcraft (Reds) vs. Patrick Sandoval (Angels)

Right-hander Graham Ashcraft will look to maintain his recent form after consecutive victories in his last two starts against the Brewers and White Sox. For the season, Ashcraft is 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA to go along with 19 strikeouts and four walks across 17 1/3 frames.

The Reds have provided Ashcraft with plenty of run support, scoring double-digit runs in each of the last two contests. Last time out, Ashcraft held the White Sox to one earned run while whiffing a season-high eight batters.

On the other hand, Patrick Sandoval is 1-2 with a 4.67 ERA through four starts for the Angels.

Sunday, April 21

• First pitch: 1:40 p.m. ET
• Projected starting pitchers: Frankie Montas (Reds) vs. José Soriano (Angels)

Since earning the start on Opening Day, Cincinnati right-hander Frankie Montas has made four starts. He’s 2-2 with a 4.34 ERA, striking out 14 batters and walking nine in 18 2/3 innings of work.

Montas pitched only two innings in his most recent outing, giving up five runs on three hits in a loss to the Seattle Mariners. He could be asked to go deeper into the game on Sunday, meaning his pitching outs prop is worth keeping an eye on ahead of the game’s first pitch.

José Soriano has appeared in four games (two starts) for the Angels, recording an 0-2 clip with a 4.80 ERA.