Scouting report: Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds
Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field
TV:
NBC Sports Chicago Monday and Wednesday; WGN Tuesday
Radio:
WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups:
The Cubs' Kyle Hendricks (7-7) vs. Luis Castillo (8-3) Monday at 7:05 p.m.; Alec Mills (season debut) vs. Anthony DeSclafani (5-4) Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.; Yu Darvish (2-4) vs. Sonny Gray (5-5) Wednesday at 1:20 p.m.
At a glance:
The Reds took two of three from the Cubs at Cincinnati during the Cubs' road trip leading to the all-star break. Overall, the Cubs are just 3-6 against the Reds, the fifth-place team in the bunched National League Central. The Reds are hanging in because of their pitching. Their team ERA of 3.82 entering Sunday was second in the NL. The Cubs were third at 4.07. Phillip Ervin went 6-for-6 Saturday for the Reds against the Rockies. Joey Votto leads the team in on-base percentage (.356 entering Sunday). Eugenio Suarez led the Reds in homers (21) and RBI (55). Hendricks is 6-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 15 career starts against the Reds. The Cubs will recall Mills from Class AAA Iowa to start Tuesday. Monday and Tuesday are the only two scheduled home night games in July for the Cubs.
Next:
San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Friday-Sunday
— Bruce Miles