Chicago Cubs @ San Francisco Giants – Series Preview (August 26-28): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (76-55) completed a three-game sweep of the Angels in Anaheim this weekend to move a season-high 21 games over the .500 mark. Kyle Tucker snapped out of his slump with three home runs, and the pitching staff continued to shove as they have since the All-Star break. Chicago’s road trip continues with a series in the Bay Area against the Giants starting Tuesday night.
It’s been a disastrous second half for San Francisco (63-68), with an 11-23 record that featured a stretch where they lost 12 of 14 and fell way back in the playoff race. The problem continues to be the offense, with a .684 team OPS that ranks 26th in MLB.
The big acquisition of Rafael Devers from the Red Sox did not give the lineup the boost the Giants were hoping it would, though he does have six homers in August. Willy Adames is a legitimate power threat with 22 dingers, but has had issues making contact. Matt Chapman has battled injuries and has had a disappointing performance so far in 2025.
San Francisco has seen much better results from the pitching so far this season with a 3.74 team ERA that is just ahead of the Cubs at sixth best in MLB. Logan Webb is the ace of the staff and veteran left-hander Robbie Ray is having a very good season as well. Chicago will face Webb and avoid Ray in this series.
The Giants bullpen was the best in baseball during the first half before they traded three relievers, including closer Camilo Doval, at the deadline. The pitching has understandably struggled in August, contributing to their big slide.
Despite their issues, winning two of three from the Brewers in Milwaukee over the weekend proves the Giants are still dangerous. The Cubs have a good chance in these matchups if they can jump ahead early and put pressure on their opponent’s scuffling offense.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Tuesday, August 26 at 8:45pm CT on Marquee.
- Wednesday, August 27 at 8:45pm CT on Marquee.
- Thursday, August 28 at 2:45pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 8/26 | Matthew Boyd | 34 | L | 2.61 | 12-6 | 3.28 | 3.91 |
| Justin Verlander | 42 | R | 4.64 | 1–10 | 3.87 | 2.68 | |
| 8/27 | Colin Rea | 35 | R | 3.96 | 10-5 | 4.61 | 2.45 |
| Carson Whisenhunt | 24 | L | 4.91 | 1-1 | 6.88 | 1.44 | |
| 8/28 | Shōta Imanaga | 31 | L | 3.03 | 8-6 | 4.32 | 4.29 |
| Logan Webb | 28 | R | 3.13 | 12-9 | 2.59 | 4.86 |
What to Watch For
- Tucker reached base seven times and had seven RBI against the Angels.
- Seiya Suzuki is hitting .208 with just one home run in August.
- The Giants won two out of three from the Cubs at Wrigley in May.
- Imanaga has pitched into the 7th inning in each of his last four starts.
