Wednesday MLB preview: Brewers at Reds, Phillies at Nationals

Jordan Lyles (11-8, 4.17 ERA) has had a terrific first 10 starts for the Brewers, and he should keep rolling against the Reds on Wednesday night.

Lyles owns a 2.35 ERA since he was acquired by Milwaukee at the trade deadline. In two starts against Cincinnati this year, the South Carolina native has a 3.00 ERA and .188 opponent batting average. Lyles is backed by a Brewers bullpen that is the best in the majors by ERA over the last 14 days (2.18).

Tyler Mahle (2-11, 4.93 ERA) has delivered mixed results for the Reds since he came off the IL earlier this month. In four September starts the California native has produced a 4.95 ERA. Mahle has had trouble putting away batters this year at Great American Ballpark, where he owns a 2.7 strikeout/walk ratio, compared to a 6.27 rate everywhere else. Cincinnati's bullpen has also struggled over the last two weeks, with a 3.68 ERA (12th).

MLB free play: Brewers moneyline

Philadelphia Phillies (79-78) at Washington Nationals (88-69), 7:05 p.m. ET

The Nationals should take another step forward in the race to clinch home-field advantage for the winner-take-all Wild Card game, as they send Anibal Sanchez (10-8, 3.91 ERA) to the hill to take on Drew Smyly (4-7, 6.44 ERA) and the Phillies on Wednesday night.

Sanchez has good numbers against key batters in Philadelphia's lineup, including right fielder Bryce Harper (4-for-21) and first baseman Rhys Hoskins (3-for-14). The Phillies' offense has lagged as a whole in September and is ranked 27th in batting average at .226.

Smyly could have a hard time in his first start against Washington this year, as the Nationals are second in batting average against lefties this season at .283. Howie Kendrick, who owns a 1.467 OPS in 14 prior at-bats against Smyly, is currently swinging a hot bat, with 18 hits in his last 39 at-bats (.462).

MLB free play: Nationals -0.5 runs first five innings (-125)