Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati Reds – Series Preview (September 18-21): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (88-64) swept the Pirates in Pittsburgh to officially clinch a playoff spot and move a season-high 24 games over .500. It’s the first time in five years Chicago has earned a trip to the postseason but they still have work to do to secure home-field in the Wild Card round. Next up is a trip to Great American Ball Park for the final road series of season against the Reds starting Thursday.
Cincinnati (76-76) is still very much in the race to catch the Mets for the final playoff spot but they have been treading water so far in September. The team strength is definitely the starting rotation which has a 3.89 ERA and features Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott.
The Reds’ bullpen is a bit more vulnerable with a 4.09 ERA and a lack of any dominant relievers. They have had more issues after the All-Star break, although they were effective in winning a series at Wrigley Field in August.
The offense has struggled most of the season for Cincinnati, despite playing their home games in the hitter’s paradise that is the GABP. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz is the most dangerous hitter in the lineup but he has gone ice cold with just one homer since July. Austin Hays has been a dangerous bat at times and TJ Friedl did plenty of damage to the Cubs this season.
Chicago has a five-game lead over San Diego for the top spot in the Wild Card and could possibly wrap it up if they have a successful weekend. The division seems unlikely, but it’s not over quite yet if Milwaukee somehow stumbles. Either way, it would be nice if they locked in their spot quickly and gave Manager Craig Counsell a chance to set up his rotation for the playoffs.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Thursday, September 18 at 6:15pm CT on FOX.
- Friday, September 19 at 5:40pm CT on MLB Network and Marquee.
- Saturday, September 20 at 5:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Sunday, September 21 at 12:40pm CT on MLB Network and Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 9/18 | Colin Rea | 35 | R | 4.23 | 10-6 | 4.44 | 2.53 |
| Hunter Greene | 26 | R | 3.01 | 6-4 | 3.56 | 5.04 | |
| 9/19 | Shōta Imanaga | 32 | L | 3.29 | 9-7 | 4.57 | 4.78 |
| Nick Lodolo | 27 | L | 3.30 | 8–8 | 3.86 | 5.27 | |
| 9/20 | Javier Assad | 28 | R | 4.23 | 3-1 | 4.88 | 1.67 |
| Zack Littell | 29 | R | 3.86 | 9–8 | 4.66 | 4.25 | |
| 9/21 | Jameson Taillon | 33 | R | 3.93 | 10-6 | 4.88 | 3.44 |
| Andrew Abbott | 26 | L | 2.88 | 9-7 | 3.68 | 3.40 |
What to Watch For
- Nico Hoerner stayed hot with six hits and two walks against the Pirates.
- The Cubs have 5-4 record against the Reds in 2025.
- Dansby Swanson reached base seven times in Pittsburgh.
- This is the 12th time since 1945 the Cubs have made the playoffs.
