Cubs at Pirates Series Preview: Probables, How to Watch, and More

Chicago Cubs manager David Ross will serve a one-game suspension when his team starts a two-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.

Ross received the one-game ban as a result of pitcher Keegan Thompson intentionally throwing at Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Andrew McCutchen in Chicago’s 9-0 win Saturday. Thompson appeared to be retaliating for several hit Cubs’ batsmen by Milwaukee pitchers, including star catcher Willson Contreras in each of the first two games of the series. Thompson will serve a three-game ban.

Drew Smyly will make his Cubs (2-1) regular-season debut Tuesday. He signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with Chicago in March. The 32-year-old won a World Series with the Atlanta Braves last season (11-4, 4.48 ERA in 23 starts/29 appearances).

The Pirates (1-2) lost their season-opening series to the St. Louis Cardinals, but had their Monday series finale postponed due to inclement weather in St. Louis. Zach Thompson was scheduled to make his Pirates debut Monday, but instead will do so Wednesday. Jose Quintana, a former Cub, will also make his Pittsburgh debut in the Pirates’ home opener Tuesday.

Injuries

Chicago Cubs: Ian Happ: day-to-day (knee), Alec Mills: 10-Day IL (back), Andrelton Simmons: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Wade Miley: 10-Day IL (elbow), Adbert Alzolay: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Codi Heuer: 60-Day IL (elbow), Brad Wieck: 60-Day IL (elbow), David Bote: 60-Day IL (undisclosed)

Pittsburgh Pirates: Duane Underwood Jr.: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Greg Allen: 60-Day IL (hamstring), Blake Cederlind: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Oviedo: 10-Day IL (ankle), Anthony Alford: 10-Day IL (wrist), Sam Howard: 10-Day IL (back), Max Kranick: 10-Day IL (forearm), Nick Mears: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Probable Pitchers

Tuesday: Drew Smyly, LHP vs. Jose Quintana, LHP

Wednesday: Kyle Hendricks, RHP (0-0, 1.69 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) vs. Zach Thompson, RHP

How to Watch

Tuesday: 3:12 PM, Marquee Sports Network

Wednesday: 11:35 AM, Marquee Sports Network

All times Central

Follow On Tap Sports Net on social media!

Please leave this field empty

Sign up to receive awesome content like this right in your inbox, from On Tap Sports Net.

Email Address *

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Brandon Cain

Brandon is a contributor for On Tap Sports Net covering the Chicago Blackhawks, Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Steel. He also covers the Blackhawks as an independent correspondent for NHL.com. Follow Brandon on Twitter @brandonmcain.