Chicago Cubs @ Pittsburgh Pirates – Series Preview (September 15-17): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (85-64) were victorious in their series against the Rays at Wrigley Field this weekend and are getting very close to clinching a playoff spot. They now prepare to head out on their final road trip of the season, beginning with a thre-game set against the Pirates starting Monday.
The Pirates (65-85) went 12-4 right after they finished their series in Chicago in mid-August, including a sweep of the Dodgers at home in early September. Now they have moved in the opposite direction, going 1-8 in their last nine to fall back 20 games below the .500 mark.
Pittsburgh continues to feature strong pitching, with a team ERA of 3.86 which is tied with the Cubs for 10th best in baseball. The starting rotation is even better, led by Cy Young front-runner Paul Skenes, who will be on the mound in Tuesday’s game. All three of the hurlers going in this series have excellent numbers.
The bullpen is shakier, especially after several key relievers were traded away, but it is hardly a disaster. Dennis Santana has done well taking over the closer role from David Bednar with 13 saves so far in 2025.
The Pirates offense is a much different story with a league-worst .654 team OPS. They have 107 total homers, which is 28 fewer than any other team in baseball. Oneil Cruz is back from injury but has been struggling badly and is barely hitting above .200 on the season. Young first baseman Spencer Horwitz has been a dangerous bat in the lineup since he made his debut in May.
Even though Pittsburgh is way out of the race, this will be good preparation for the Cubs postseason competition. They are going to face three tough starting pitchers, including possibly the best in baseball, which is what they will likely face in a playoff series. The North Siders could lock down a postseason berth in these games if things break right.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, September 15 at 5:40pm CT on MLB Network and Marquee.
- Tuesday, September 16 at 5:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Wednesday, September 17 at 11:35am CT on MLB Network and Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 9/15 | Jameson Taillon | 33 | R | 4.15 | 9-6 | 4.97 | 3.61 |
| Braxton Ashcraft | 25 | R | 2.47 | 4–2 | 2.85 | 2.67 | |
| 9/16 | Cade Horton | 24 | R | 2.70 | 10-4 | 3.63 | 2.78 |
| Paul Skenes | 23 | R | 1.92 | 10-9 | 2.35 | 5.21 | |
| 9/17 | Matthew Boyd | 34 | L | 3.05 | 13-8 | 3.54 | 3.74 |
| Johan Oviedo | 27 | R | 2.81 | 2-0 | 3.77 | 2.07 |
What to Watch For
- Seiya Suzuki has missed the last three games with an illness and will miss at least Monday as well.
- Nico Hoerner has nine hits in his last four games and is making a push for a batting title.
- Ian Happ has reached base 11 times in his last five games.
- Boyd has allowed four or more runs in four of his last five starts.
