First Pitch: 6:40 PM ET
Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Capacity: 38,747
Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass
Broadcast: Marquee Sports Network, SportsNet Pittsburgh, MLB.TV
WEATHER REPORT — PNC PARK (PITTSBURGH, PA)
- Temperature: 72°F at first pitch
- Wind: 7–10 mph out to left‑center (slight boost for RH pull hitters)
- Humidity: 63%
- Chance of Rain: <10%
- Ballpark Impact: Slightly hitter‑friendly for fly‑ball hitters; warm air + light tailwind could help balls carry.
INJURY REPORT
Chicago Cubs
- Seiya Suzuki — QUESTIONABLE (hamstring tightness; trending toward playing)
- Christopher Morel — ACTIVE (wrist soreness but cleared)
- Jordan Wicks — IL (forearm strain)
- Julian Merryweather — IL (shoulder)
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Oneil Cruz — ACTIVE (ankle bruise; expected in lineup)
- Ke’Bryan Hayes — QUESTIONABLE (back tightness; game‑time decision)
- David Bednar — IL (lat strain; bullpen weakened)
- Marco Gonzales — IL (forearm)
TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM
Chicago Cubs (29–26)
- Last 10 games: 6–4
- Road record: 13–14
- Run differential: +12
- Strength: Starting pitching consistency, OBP at top of lineup
- Weakness: Middle relief volatility
The Cubs have stabilized after a rough early May stretch, winning 4 of their last 5 behind improved starting pitching and timely hitting.
Pittsburgh Pirates (29–26)
- Last 10 games: 5–5
- Home record: 15–12
- Run differential: +6
- Strength: Young rotation, athletic lineup
- Weakness: Bullpen depth without Bednar
Pittsburgh has hovered around .500 all season but has been strong at home, especially in low‑scoring games.
STARTING PITCHING MATCHUP
Jameson Taillon — RHP, Cubs
- 2026 ERA: 3.88
- WHIP: 1.23
- K/BB: 3.4
- Last 3 starts: 18.1 IP, 6 ER, 17 K
- Pitch mix: 4‑seam, cutter, curve, sinker, change
Taillon has been steady, not dominant, but he’s limiting hard contact and pitching deeper into games. His cutter has been a key weapon vs. lefties.
Concern: Pirates’ RH hitters (Cruz, Reynolds, Suwinski) have hit him well historically.
Bubba Chandler — RHP, Pirates
- 2026 ERA: 3.41
- WHIP: 1.19
- K/BB: 3.1
- Last 3 starts: 17.2 IP, 5 ER, 19 K
- Pitch mix: Upper‑90s fastball, power slider, curve, change
Chandler has taken a major step forward this season. His fastball/slider combo is generating a 31% whiff rate.
Concern: Walks can spike, and the Cubs are a patient lineup.
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Cody Bellinger (CHC) vs. Bubba Chandler
- Bellinger is 6-for-14 with 2 HR in his last 4 games.
- Chandler’s slider moves into Bellinger’s power zone.
Edge: Slight Cubs
2. Bryan Reynolds (PIT) vs. Jameson Taillon
- Reynolds lifetime vs Taillon: .333 AVG, .889 OPS
- Taillon struggles when behind in counts; Reynolds is elite at punishing mistakes.
Edge: Pirates
3. Oneil Cruz (PIT) vs. Cubs Bullpen
- Cruz has 4 HR in his last 8 games.
- Cubs middle relief has allowed the 4th‑highest HR rate in NL.
Edge: Pirates
4. Nico Hoerner (CHC) vs. Chandler’s Fastball
- Hoerner hits .310 vs 95+ mph fastballs.
- Chandler lives at 96–98 mph.
Edge: Cubs
SERIES HISTORY
- 2026 season series: Cubs lead 3–2
- Last 20 meetings: Cubs 11, Pirates 9
- At PNC Park since 2023: Cubs 15–13
- Average runs per game between these teams: 8.4
This matchup has been tight for three straight seasons.
BETTING TRENDS
Chicago Cubs
- 5–1 last 6 games vs. NL Central
- 4–1 last 5 road games
- Under is 6–2 in last 8 Taillon starts
Pittsburgh Pirates
- 7–3 last 10 home games
- 6–2 last 8 starts by Chandler
- Under is 5–1 in last 6 games at PNC Park
Head‑to‑Head
- Underdog is 4–1 in last 5 meetings
- Road team is 6–2 in last 8
- First‑five innings Under is 7–3 in last 10
GAME ODDS
Chicago Cubs 8.5
Pittsburgh Pirates – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 26, 2026
