Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds – Series Preview (May 26-28): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (22-27) returned home to Wrigley and took two of three from the Mets, though they were beaten decisively in the final game of the set. It was a refreshing change after four consecutive series losses and now they look to keep it going as the division-rival Reds come to Chicago for three over the holiday weekend.
Cincinnati (21-29) finds themselves in a similar position in the standings to the Cubs, having just slipped into last place after dropping a series to the Cardinals. They have a .701 team OPS, good for 24th best in baseball. The only hitters having quality seasons are Spencer Steer and former Rookie of the Year Jonathan India.
Pitching again is a real Achilles heel for the Reds, whose 5.00 staff ERA puts them ahead of only the Rockies, Royals, and Athletics. Ace Hunter Greene has not been great and the rest of the rotation has been worse, not to mention riddled with injuries. The one bright spot is closer Alexis Diaz, who has been lights-out so far.
The Cubs lost two of three to this team in Cincinnati in the second series of the season, so this matchup can’t be overlooked. Frankly, no one looks like a pushover for the scuffling North Siders of late. This is an opponent they need to take advantage of, however, because the world-beating Rays are next.
The key to a winning homestand for Chicago is taking care of business against the Reds.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Friday, May 26 at 1:20pm CT on MLB Network (out of market only) and Marquee.
- Saturday, May 27 at 6:15pm CT on FOX.
- Sunday, May 28 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 5/26 | Justin Steele | 27 | L | 2.20 | 6-1 | 2.95 | 3.31 |
| Hunter Greene | 23 | R | 4.94 | 0-4 | 3.98 | 3.45 | |
| 5/27 | Jameson Taillon | 31 | R | 8.10 | 0-3 | 4.94 | 2.70 |
| Brandon Williamson | 25 | L | 3.60 | 0-0 | 5.88 | 1.50 | |
| 5/28 | Drew Smyly | 33 | L | 2.93 | 5-1 | 3.60 | 4.25 |
| Graham Ashcraft | 25 | R | 5.57 | 2-3 | 4.50 | 1.95 |
What to Watch For
- Smyly had his only really bad start of the season against the Reds in April.
- Mike Tauchman is getting a lot of playing time in place of the injured Cody Bellinger in center.
- Seiya Suzuki reached base seven times against the Mets.
- Patrick Wisdom is ice cold, going 0-for-15 in his last six games.