Reds at Cubs Series Preview: Probables, How to Watch, and More
Photo: ESPN
The Chicago Cubs look to continue their winning streak when they start a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds Monday at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs (63-75, fourth in NL Central) defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-8 on Sunday for Chicago's sixth straight victory. Frank Schwindel hit a go-ahead grand slam, Matt Duffy homered twice, including a grand slam, in the win. Schwindel, who the Cubs claimed off waivers in July, has quickly become a fan-favorite with homers in three straight and six of his past seven games.
The Cubs placed Keegan Thompson on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation Saturday. Thompson, who is auditioning for a spot in the Cubs' 2022 rotation, will be replaced by Adrian Sampson in the rotation against the Reds. Sampson allowed no hits and struck out four in 3.1 innings against the Pirates.
The Reds (73-65, second in NL Central) enter Chicago after a three-game series loss to the Detroit Tigers. Detroit outscored Cincinnati 23-13 thanks in large part to a 15-5 series-opening victory. The Reds have lost four straight series and six of their past eight games.
Standings Watch
The Cubs' winning streak has lifted them up one spot in the standings to hold the ninth-worst record in the MLB. They are a game up on the Kansas City Royals and a half-game back of the Colorado Rockies.
The Reds' slide has them a half-game back of the San Diego Padres for the second NL Wild Card spot, with the Philadelphia Phillies only two games behind them. The Milwaukee Brewers have a firm grip on the NL Central with an 11-game lead over Cincinnati.
Injuries
Reds: Art Warren (oblique), Brandon Bailey (elbow), Tejay Antone (elbow), Jesse Winker (intercostal)
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Cubs: Brad Wieck (heart), Keegan Thompson (shoulder), Kohl Stewart (elbow), Jonathan Holder (shoulder), Nick Madrigal (hamstring), Nico Hoerner (oblique), David Bote (ankle), Jose Lobaton (shoulder), P.J. Higgins (forearm)
Probable Pitchers
Monday: Sonny Gray, RHP (7-6, 3.89 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) vs. Justin Steele, LHP (0-0, 3.48 ERA, 1.26 WHIP)
Tuesday: Wade Miley, LHP (11-5, 2.97 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) vs. Adrian Sampson, RHP (0-1, 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP)
Wednesday: Vladimir Gutierrez, RHP (9-6, 4.17 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) vs. Alec Mills, RHP (6-6, 4.25 ERA, 1.41 WHIP)
How to Watch
Monday: 1:20 PM, Marquee Sports Network
Tuesday: 6:40 PM, Marquee Sports Network
Wednesday: 6:40 PM, Marquee Sports Network
All times Central
