Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds – Series Preview (May 4-7): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (22-12) continued to play excellent baseball with a three-game sweep of the Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field this weekend. The offense and the starting pitching are playing well enough to help cover up an injury-depleted bullpen that is starting to return to health.
The North Siders have won 16 of their last 19 to move into first place in the National League Central, and they now welcome the Reds to the Friendly Confines for four starting Monday night. Cincinnati (20-14) had been leading the division, but dropping three in a row while the Cubs won five now has them two games back.
They came out of the gate strong in 2026 with an 18-9 record to grab the top spot in a crowded division. Their success appeared to be somewhat smoke and mirrors, though, with a slew of one-run wins and a negative run differential hinting at some luck being involved. Sure enough, they have gone 2-5 since that point and just got outscored 27-8 by the Pirates in a sweep at PNC Park.
The Reds’ hitters have struggled so far with a .687 team OPS that ranks 24th in baseball. That comes despite their hitter-friendly home stadium helping them to 44 homers, tied with the Cubs for the third most in MLB. Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz has been awesome with a .890 OPS, 10 home runs, and eight stolen bases.
First baseman Sal Stewart has been an early surprise with nine dingers and an .852 OPS. Outside of those two, however, Cincy has had a lot of middling performances out of their hitters despite playing at Great American Ball Park.
The pitching has not been much better for the Reds, with a 4.50 team ERA that is only good enough for 21st in MLB. The starting rotation has struggled to a 4.63 ERA without injured ace Hunter Greene, who is rehabbing from surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow and should remain out until July. Chase Burns has been the most effective with a 2.20 ERA, but Chicago won’t see him in this series.
Cincinnati’s bullpen is a bit better than the starting staff, although it has not exactly been airtight. Closer Emilio Pagan has had a rough go with an ERA above five, and his grip on the job appears tenuous. Righty Graham Ashcraft and lefty Sam Moll have been the most effective relievers through the opening month.
The Reds look like a prime candidate for continued regression, but that does not mean the Cubs should take them lightly. This is a team they have struggled with in recent years, and manager Terry Francona always finds a way to get the most out of his teams. This is an important series for the North Siders with a division opponent they may have to battle throughout the year, so let’s see if they can keep the momentum going.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, May 4 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Tuesday, May 5 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Wednesday, May 6 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Thursday, May 7 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 5/4 | Edward Cabrera | 28 | R | 3.06 | 3-0 | 3.71 | 4.42 |
| Chase Petty | 23 | R | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 5/5 | Jameson Taillon | 34 | R | 4.41 | 2-1 | 5.95 | 2.38 |
| Andrew Abbott | 26 | L | 5.97 | 1–2 | 4.94 | 1.60 | |
| 5/6 | Colin Rea | 35 | R | 4.41 | 4-1 | 3.42 | 3.33 |
| Brady Singer | 29 | R | 5.57 | 2–2 | 5.75 | 2.22 | |
| 5/7 | Shōta Imanaga | 32 | L | 2.40 | 3-2 | 2.74 | 4.30 |
| Rhett Lowder | 24 | R | 5.09 | 3-2 | 3.23 | 1.86 |
What to Watch For
- Petty is getting called up for his first start of the season.
- Michael Busch had five hits against the Diamondbacks, four of them for extra bases.
- Ian Happ reached base nine times against Arizona.
- Daniel Palencia has been activated and is available to close.
