Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds – Series Preview (September 30-October 2): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (70-86) have won five straight games after sweeping the playoff-contending Phillies at Wrigley Field. The big reason for Chicago’s improved play down the stretch is their starting rotation, which has put up a 3.04 ERA in the second half. They wrap up the home portion of the schedule with three games against the Reds this weekend.
Cincinnati (60-96) is tumbling down the standings. posting a 4-15 record in the last 19 games to provide a fitting bookend to their 3-22 start. A lot of regulars are not around the team right now due to injury, but Kyle Farmer, who has given the Cubs trouble all season, is still playing.
Hunter Greene is back from the IL and Nick Lodolo has had a very good rookie year as well. The rest of the Reds’ pitching staff is still very bad, ranking in the bottom five in baseball with a 4.82 ERA.
There isn’t a whole lot to play for in these games, other than draft position and a role in 2023. The Cubs are ending the year on a high note, having gone 8-1 in their last nine games. With the final six contests coming against Cincinnati, this is a good chance to keep rolling through the finish line.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Friday, September 30 at 1:20pm CT on MLB Network (out-of-market only) and Marquee Sports Network.
- Saturday, October 1 at 1:20pm CT on MLB Network (out-of-market only) and Marquee Sports Network.
- Sunday, October 2 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee Sports Network.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 9/30 | Adrian Sampson | 30 | R | 3.23 | 3-5 | 3.79 | 2.67 |
| Graham Ashcraft | 24 | R | 4.18 | 5-4 | 4.02 | 2.87 | |
| 10/1 | TBA | ||||||
| Nick Lodolo | 24 | L | 3.75 | 4-7 | 3.86 | 3.71 | |
| 10/2 | Marcus Stroman | 31 | R | 3.66 | 5-7 | 3.85 | 3.29 |
| Chase Anderson | 34 | R | 4.70 | 2-3 | 4.51 | 2.09 |
What to Watch For
- Seiya Suzuki returned to the lineup from paternity leave and got on base three times in his first start Thursday.
- Stroman is making his final start of the year and had a 2.61 ERA in five September starts.
- The Cubs have a worse record at home (34-44) than they do on the road (36-42) in 2022.
- Christopher Morel had two home runs against the Phillies after being in a pretty deep slump.