Cubs vs Reds – Series Preview (July 6-8): TV and Game Info, Starting Pitchers, Insights
After sweeping consecutive series against the Twins and Tigers, the Cubs welcome the Reds to Wrigley for the last three games of their eight-game homestand. They appear to have righted the ship after their shocking four-game series sweep at the hands of the Reds just two weeks ago. The Cubs enter this series having won a season-high six straight games and currently sit at 49-35, just 1.5 games back of the division-leading Brewers.
The Cubs offense has been hitting on all cylinders during this winning streak, averaging 9.33 runs/game. There is a chance that third basemen Kris Bryant will return from the disabled list during the series. Bryant has been out with left shoulder inflammation since June 23, and his return would be a big boost for the lineup as the Cubs look to finish the first half strong.
Cincinnati has gone 6-4 since that aforementioned sweep and comes to town sporting a record of 38-49. Their offense, which went wild against the Cubs, has been anchored by Scooter Gennett and Eugenio Saurez all season. Gennett currently sits second in the National League in hits (105) and first in average (.331). He has hit left-handed pitching at a .340 clip, which could be trouble for the Cubs, who are slated to start two lefties start this series.
Saurez carries a .308 average and 17 home runs into the series and is currently hitting .338 against lefties. Slowing these hitters down and also keeping the ever-dangerous Joey Votto at bay could be the difference in winning or losing this series, so that’s something to keep an eye on.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Friday, July 6 at 1:20pm CT on NBC Sports Chicago
- Saturday, July 7 at 1:20pm CT on NBC Sports Chicago
- Sunday, July 8 at 1:20pm CT on WGN
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | W/L | ERA | FIP |
| 7/6 | Mike Montgomery | 29 | L | 3-2 | 3.55 | 4.02 |
| Tyler Mahle | 23 | R | 6-6 | 3.83 | 4.69 | |
| 7/7 | Tyler Chatwood | 28 | R | 3-5 | 4.54 | 4.95 |
| Matt Harvey | 29 | R | 4-5 | 4.91 | 4.68 | |
| 7/8 | Jon Lester | 34 | L | 11-2 | 2.25 | 4.16 |
| Luis Castillo | 25 | R | 5-8 | 5.53 | 4.77 |
What To Watch For
- Willson Contreras has been hot at the plate over the last 10 games (.441 average, 2 HR, 10 RBI), making a strong case for his first All-Star appearance.
- Javy Baez has also been hot as of late, hitting .415 with 12 runs scored in his last 10 games. Javy should also be in line for his first All-Star appearance.
- Bryant will test that shoulder again on Friday and could be back in action shortly. He should be able to ease his way back into the lineup a bit since Contreras and Baez have been carrying the offense on their backs over the last couple weeks.