Image Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue
Reds vs Cubs action returns to Wrigley Field on Friday, August 28, with Chicago hosting Cincinnati for a pivotal three-game National League Central series. The Cubs are looking to restart their offense and build momentum at home, while the Reds arrive struggling after losing 13 of their last 20 games.
Cincinnati did snap a three-game losing streak Wednesday, rallying for seven runs in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants. From Chicago’s perspective, the hope is that the Reds used up all of their offensive fireworks in San Francisco. The Cubs now have an opportunity to pressure a division rival that has spent much of August searching for answers.
Reds vs Cubs Series Carries Critical Wrigley Field Stakes
The Reds’ recent slide has intensified scrutiny around the organization. According to Wick Terrell of Red Reporter, Cincinnati’s most significant developments have involved high-priced veterans being placed on waivers and subsequently passing through unclaimed. The club is also facing a major pitching setback involving Hunter Greene.
Greene is expected to miss the entire 2027 season after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery. He already missed much of the important portion of the 2026 campaign following elbow surgery, leaving Cincinnati without one of its most important rotation anchors.
The Reds have also dealt with injuries to their ace, top three relievers, superutility player and major offseason addition at various points. That lack of available depth has exposed a thin roster and placed more responsibility on young talents such as Chase Burns, Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart.
Cincinnati ranks last in team batting average, on-base percentage and wRC+, according to the series preview. Its position players have produced only 8.3 fWAR, while Pete Crow-Armstrong alone has recorded 8.6 fWAR for the Cubs. Those numbers illustrate the distance between the teams entering the weekend.
Explosive Pitching Matchups Set the Weekend Tone
The opening game features left-hander David Peterson for Chicago against Cincinnati right-hander Rhett Lowder. Peterson is 4-1 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.311 WHIP in 10 appearances with the Cubs. Lowder enters at 5-8 with a 5.13 ERA and a 1.467 WHIP.
Saturday’s matchup places Kevin Gausman against Andrew Abbott. Gausman has gone 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA, a 1.130 WHIP and a 3.52 FIP in four starts with Chicago. Abbott is 6-9 with a 4.15 ERA and a 1.404 WHIP for Cincinnati.
Sunday night offers the most compelling duel. Shōta Imanaga, who is 8-9 with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.122 WHIP, will face Burns. The rookie right-hander has been one of the Reds’ bright spots, entering with a 14-3 record, a 2.77 ERA and a 1.153 WHIP. However, Cincinnati plans to shut Burns down after another start or two.
Series History Favors Chicago in 2026
The Cubs have dominated the season series, winning six of seven games against Cincinnati. Chicago swept four games in May, including three consecutive walk-off victories by scores of 5-4, 3-2 and 7-6. The second and third games went 10 innings. The Cubs completed the sweep with an 8-3 win.
Chicago then recovered from a 4-0 loss in Cincinnati on July 10 by winning the next two games, 5-3 and 8-4. The Reds will make their final 2026 visit to Wrigley Field this weekend before the clubs meet again in Cincinnati from September 18-20.
Historically, the Cubs hold a narrow advantage in the rivalry. Since the teams first met in 1890, Chicago has won 1,219 games to Cincinnati’s 1,195, with 22 ties. At Wrigley Field, the Cubs have a 664-552 edge.
Reds vs Cubs Schedule, Broadcast Information and Prediction
- Friday, August 28: 1:20 p.m. CT on Marquee Sports Network
- Saturday, August 29: 1:20 p.m. CT on Marquee Sports Network
- Sunday, August 30: 6:20 p.m. CT on NBC and Peacock
Sunday’s national broadcast will feature Jason Benetti, Anthony Rizzo and Jeff Brantley. With the Cubs needing to get their bats moving again and protect home-field advantage, taking two of three appears especially important. The prediction is that Chicago will do exactly that.
After the series, the Cubs will host the Milwaukee Brewers in a four-game set beginning Monday evening. For Cincinnati, meanwhile, this weekend could further accelerate difficult questions about the roster, front office and direction of the franchise heading into 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Reds vs Cubs series?
The three-game series begins Friday, August 28, 2026, and concludes Sunday, August 30, at Wrigley Field.
Where can fans watch the games?
Friday and Saturday’s games will air on Marquee Sports Network. Sunday’s nationally televised game will be available on NBC and Peacock.
Who are the probable Sunday starters?
Shōta Imanaga is scheduled to start for Chicago against Cincinnati’s Chase Burns.
How have the Cubs performed against the Reds this season?
Chicago has won six of the seven games played between the teams in 2026, including a four-game sweep in May.
What comes next for the Cubs?
The Cubs will begin a four-game home series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday evening.
