Cubs vs. Reds – Series Preview (May 16-18): TV and Game Info, Pitching Matchups, Insights
The Cubs are not playing well at all. Anyone who’s watched them the last two weeks doesn’t need to be told that. After a 2-4 road trip dropped them below .500, they return for a crucial 10-game homestand staring against the Reds.
Cincinnati has gotten off a much better start than many predicted with a 19-18 record. Much of the Reds’ success comes on the offensive end, where they rank 10th in runs scored while only ranking 18th in team ERA.
Not surprisingly, the Reds are led by Joey Votto. The Canadian first baseman is hitting .291 with 10 home runs and 33 runs batted in. Adam Duvall and Eugenio Suarez also are big power threats in the Cincinnati order as well. Raisel Iglesias has been lights-out in the closers role with 0.89 ERA.
After a very bumpy last month, the Cubs need to start playing better. There are still four-plus months in the season, but it would behoove them not to fall further behind the top of the division.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Tuesday, May 16 at 7:05 CT on CSN-C
- Wednesday, May 17 at 7:05 CT on WGN
- Thursday, May 18 at 1:20 CT on CSN-C and MLB Network
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | K/BB |
| 5/16 | John Lackey | 38 | R | 4.29 | 3-3 | 4.18 |
| Bronson Arroyo | 40 | R | 5.94 | 3-2 | 2.27 | |
| 5/17 | Kyle Hendricks | 27 | R | 3.40 | 2-2 | 2.13 |
| Scott Feldman | 34 | R | 3.59 | 2-3 | 2.00 | |
| 5/18 | Jon Lester | 33 | L | 3.45 | 1-2 | 2.45 |
| Lisalverto Bonilla | 26 | R | 4.85 | 0-1 | 2.20 |
What To Watch For
- Once again the old veterans Lackey and Arroyo face off on the mound. Arroyo always seems to stifle the Cubs, so now would be a good time to finally get to him.
- If you didn’t happen to notice, Ian Happ made his major league debut this weekend. He had three hits, including a double and homer, in his first two games. Expect him to keep getting starts as long as he’s with the big club.
- In 2014 the Cubs traded Scott Feldman to the Orioles for Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop. Now Feldman faces his former team as the Reds’ de facto ace. I thought I would remind you now since they probably won’t mention it during the game (sarcasm font).
- Kris Bryant is likely to be back in the lineup following his stomach issues in St. Louis. Whether Ben Zobrist and Jon Jay have fully recovered from back issues is yet to be seen. Joe Maddon indicated Jason Heyward will likely remain on the DL despite being eligible to come off Tuesday.