Venue: Wrigley Field — Chicago, Illinois
First Pitch: 7:40 PM ET / 6:40 PM CT
Surface: Natural grass
Series: Game 2 of 3
The Cubs enter with one of MLB’s best records and a dominant home profile. Cincinnati, meanwhile, is trying to rebound after dropping the series opener and stabilize its rotation.
WEATHER REPORT (Chicago — Evening)
Temperature: 57–60°F
Wind: 14–18 mph blowing out to left‑center
Humidity: Moderate
Rain: <10% chance
Impact:
Significant boost to right‑handed power hitters
Wrigley becomes a hitter‑friendly park when winds blow out
Pitchers must keep the ball down or risk multi‑run innings
INJURY REPORT
Cincinnati Reds
Hunter Greene (shoulder) — OUT
TJ Friedl (oblique) — OUT
Christian Encarnacion‑Strand (wrist) — Day‑to‑day
Nick Lodolo (back) — Expected to return soon but not available
Alexis Díaz (fatigue) — Available but monitored
Chicago Cubs
Seiya Suzuki (hamstring) — OUT
Justin Steele (forearm) — OUT
Jameson Taillon (back) — Day‑to‑day
Nico Hoerner (ankle) — Expected to play
Adbert Alzolay (elbow) — OUT
PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS
Reds — RHP Graham Ashcraft (2–3, 4.88 ERA)
Heavy cutter/sinker profile
Struggles vs. left‑handed hitters
Road ERA: 5.40
Has allowed 4+ runs in 3 of last 4 starts
Fly‑ball vulnerability is a concern with wind blowing out
Cubs — RHP Javier Assad (3–1, 2.91 ERA)
Elite soft‑contact generator
Home ERA: 2.55
Excellent command; rarely gives up big innings
Reds’ aggressive approach plays into his strengths
TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM
Cincinnati Reds
Record: 20–15
Last 10: 4–6
Road record: 9–9
Offense: 4.6 runs/game
Trend: Pitching regression; bullpen overworked
Chicago Cubs
Record: 23–12
Last 10: 7–3
Home record: 13–5
Offense: 4.9 runs/game
Trend: Balanced lineup + strong bullpen + elite home performance
SERIES HISTORY
2023–2026 combined: Cubs lead 25–20
At Wrigley Field: Cubs have won 8 of last 11
Cubs won the opener of this series (May 4, 2026)
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Elly De La Cruz vs. Javier Assad
Elly’s power/speed combo is always a threat, but Assad’s command and ability to avoid barrels make this a difficult matchup.
2. Cody Bellinger vs. Graham Ashcraft
Bellinger thrives vs. sinker/cutter pitchers and gets a major boost from the wind blowing out.
3. Spencer Steer vs. Cubs bullpen
Steer’s late‑inning production is crucial for Cincinnati, especially with Díaz not fully rested.
BETTING TRENDS
Cincinnati Reds
3–7 in last 10 road games
Over has hit in 6 of last 8
Reds are 2–6 in last eight vs. Cubs
Chicago Cubs
7–1 in last eight home games
Cubs are 10–3 in last 13 overall
Over is 5–2 in last seven at Wrigley with wind blowing out
Game Odds
Cincinnati Reds 8
Chicago Cubs – 168
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 4, 2026
