Cubs at Reds Series Preview: Probables, How to Watch, More

The Chicago Cubs start a six-game road trip Monday when they visit the Cincinnati Reds for a four-game series at Great American Ballpark.

The Cubs (16-24) ended their latest losing streak at four with a 5-4 comeback win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday at Wrigley Field. Patrick Wisdom and Frank Schwindel hit consecutive homers in the eighth inning to lift Chicago to victory. The duo also hit back-to-back homers in the Cubs’ 7-6 loss Saturday. They’re the first Cubs players to hit consecutive homers in consecutive games since Hall of Famer Ernie Banks and Jim Hickman on Aug. 23-24, 1969.

The Cubs might be without catcher Willson Contreras (right hamstring) for part of or all of the series against the Reds. He is day to day after he left in the third inning Saturday. P.J. Higgins was promoted from Triple-A Iowa and hit a three-run triple Sunday. He will look to split time behind the plate with Yan Gomes, while Contreras is out. Infielder Nico Hoerner (right ankle) could return in Cincinnati.

The Reds (12-28) hold the worst record in the MLB, and are 3-2 on the road in their past five since losing 1-0 to the Pittsburgh Pirates despite not allowing a hit. Cincinnati won twice against the Cleveland Guardians (with one game postponed) and once against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Reds’ win in Toronto ended a 10-game road trip before they start a seven-game homestand.

Injuries

Chicago Cubs: Willson Contreras: day-to-day (hamstring), Michael Rucker: 15-Day IL (turf toe), Michael Hermosillo: 10-Day IL (covid), Jason Heyward: 10-Day IL (undisclosed), Nico Hoerner: 10-Day IL (ankle), Sean Newcomb: 15-Day IL (ankle), Nick Madrigal: 10-Day IL (low back), Ethan Roberts: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Clint Frazier: 10-Day IL (appendicitis), Alec Mills: 10-Day IL (back), Adbert Alzolay: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Codi Heuer: 60-Day IL (elbow), Brad Wieck: 60-Day IL (elbow), David Bote: 60-Day IL (undisclosed)

Cincinnati Reds: Lucas Sims: 15-Day IL (lower back), Nick Senzel: 10-Day IL (covid-19), Jonathan India: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jake Fraley: 10-Day IL (knee), Nick Lodolo: 10-Day IL (back), Justin Wilson: 10-Day IL (elbow), Daniel Duarte: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jose Garcia: 10-Day IL (hand), Mike Minor: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Max Schrock: 60-Day IL (calf), Donovan Solano: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Justin Dunn: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Tejay Antone: 60-Day IL (undisclosed)

Probable Pitchers

Monday: Drew Smyly, LHP (1-5, 3.97 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) vs. Vladimir Gutierrez, RHP (0-5, 8.65 ERA, 1.96 WHIP)

Tuesday: Marcus Stroman, RHP (1-4, 4.88 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) vs. Tyler Mahle, RHP (2-4, 5.23 ERA, 1.35 WHIP)

Wednesday: Kyle Hendricks, RHP (2-4, 4.89 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) vs. Luis Castillo, RHP (0-2, 4.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP)

Thursday: Justin Steele, LHP (1-4, 3.82 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) vs. Hunter Greene, RHP (1-6, 5.49 ERA, 1.47 WHIP)

How to Watch (CDT)

Monday: 5:40 P.M.; Marquee Sports Network, ESPN+

Tuesday: 5:40 P.M., Marquee Sports Network

Wednesday: 5:40 P.M., Marquee Sports Network

Thursday: 11:35 P.M., Marquee Sports Network

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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.