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Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds return home for a weekend series against one of the best teams in the American League when the Baltimore Orioles come to town on Friday.

This weekend’s three-game set is an excellent opportunity for De La Cruz to continue a stellar start to his second MLB season. According to the latest odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook, he’s already been among the most significant early risers in the NL MVP race.

De La Cruz is +1200 to win this year’s NL MVP Award. His implied probability at the current price is 7.7%.

For comparison, De La Cruz was a +5000 (1.9% implied probability) long shot to win the award entering the 2024 season.

De La Cruz leads the league in stolen bases, but his most impressive attribute is his availability. He has played in all 31 games.

With De La Cruz holding things down at the shortstop position, here is a look at the Reds’ rotation for this weekend's series.

Friday, May 3

• First pitch: 6:10 p.m. ET
• Projected starting pitcher: Hunter Greene (Reds)

Cincinnati’s hard-throwing righty will get the ball in the series opener. Greene has a 1-2 record with a 3.63 ERA through the first six starts of his third season.

Greene’s strikeout prop could be worth checking in this one, as he’s whiffed six or more batters in all six outings. He recorded six strikeouts across seven scoreless innings in his last start against the Texas Rangers, earning his first victory of the season.

Saturday, May 4

• First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET
• Projected starting pitcher: Andrew Abbott (Reds)

Abbott is 1-3 with a 3.27 ERA through six starts in his second season.

The left-hander struck out a season-high seven batters last time out, but he gave up a pair of homers and four runs in 5 1/3 innings. Abbott has been lifted from the game before six complete innings in each of his previous two starts.

Sunday, May 5

• First pitch: 4:10 p.m. ET
• Projected starting pitcher: Nick Lodolo (Reds)

Lodolo has an impressive resume for a strong Cincinnati rotation. He is 3-0 with a 1.88 in four starts this season.

The southpaw tossed a gem in Monday’s win over the San Diego Padres. He gave up one run on one hit across seven frames. Lodolo struck out 11 batters, marking his second double-digit strikeout performance of the year.

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