Chicago Cubs @ Pittsburgh Pirates – Series Preview (July 24-26): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (57-45) dropped two out of three to the Tigers at Wrigley Field after winning three consecutive series. They came up short in an extra-innings contest on Monday and could not get the offense into gear in a loss on Wednesday. Now they head on the road for a pair of matchups within the division beginning Friday with three against the Pirates at PNC Park.
Pittsburgh (53-50) is right in the middle of the Wild Card race thanks to a very potent offensive attack with the third-best team OPS in baseball (.763). They are currently missing two of their better hitters with Spencer Horwitz and Oneil Cruz on the injured list, but Bryan Reynolds has really come on with 14 homers and an .853 OPS, while Brandon Lowe has been a major power threat with 21 dingers.
The Bucs’ talent-laden pitching staff has been a bit disappointing so far in 2026 with a 4.26 team ERA that ranks 18th in MLB. Reigning Cy Young winner Paul Skenes has a 3.43 ERA and eight losses, but can still be unhittable when he’s on. Braxton Ashcraft is another hard-throwing starter who has been pretty good, almost matching Skenes’ strikeout total this season.
The bullpen has been a sore spot for the Pirates with a 4.42 ERA that sits just 22nd in baseball. Gregory Soto is far from automatic as the closer, and the most effective setup guy, Evan Sisk, is out injured.
The Cubs have gone 3-4 against Pittsburgh so far in 2026, so it’s been a highly competitive season series. This is an opportunity to maintain some distance from a squad that will probably be at their heels through September. Craig Counsell‘s crew has had some issues inside the division in the first half, and it’s something they should try to clean up down the stretch because every series is important.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Friday, July 24 at 5:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Saturday, July 25 at 5:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Sunday, July 26 at 12:35pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 7/24 | Matthew Boyd | 35 | L | 4.15 | 6-1 | 3.68 | 3.64 |
| Jared Jones | 24 | R | 4.05 | 2-1 | 3.23 | 4.00 | |
| 7/25 | Shōta Imanaga | 32 | L | 3.91 | 6-8 | 4.51 | 3.89 |
| Paul Skenes | 24 | R | 3.43 | 9-8 | 2.81 | 5.31 | |
| 7/26 | Jameson Taillon | 34 | R | 5.38 | 2-5 | 6.40 | 2.60 |
| Braxton Ashcraft | 26 | R | 3.95 | 9-4 | 3.53 | 4.64 |
What to Watch For
- Utility man James Triantos is getting called up to make his major league debut this weekend.
- Ian Happ had four hits and a home run against the Tigers.
- Imanaga continues to pitch well and has his ERA back under 4.00.
