First pitch: 7:20 p.m. ET / 6:20 p.m. CT
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
TV: NBC / Peacock (Sunday Night Baseball)
This is the series finale of a three-game set at Wrigley. The Cubs lead the season series 7-2 (after a 10-8 Reds win Friday and a 17-5 Cubs rout Saturday). Both teams enter with identical 4-6 records over their last 10 games. The Cubs sit second in the NL Central (8 games behind Milwaukee, holding a solid wild-card position). The Reds are last in the division (21 games back) and essentially playing out the string.
Starting Pitchers
Reds: RHP Chase Burns (14-3, 2.77 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 164 K in 139.2 IP)
The 23-year-old All-Star and former No. 2 overall pick has been one of the best young arms in baseball. He generates high strikeout rates (around 10.6 K/9) with solid command. Recent form has been mixed: strong outings mixed with a short, rough 3.2 IP/5 ER start at San Francisco on Aug. 24. He is managing workload carefully down the stretch (limited pitch counts planned) after a heavy innings load. This is expected to be his first career start against the Cubs.
Cubs: LHP Shota Imanaga (8-9, 3.78 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 144 K in 145.1 IP)
The veteran lefty has been solid overall but home-run prone at times (30 HR allowed). He has pitched well against Cincinnati historically (strong prior outings including a 6 IP/1 ER/10 K win earlier this year). Recent August results have been uneven, including a short outing. Left-handed batters in the Reds lineup face a tougher matchup.
Weather Forecast (Wrigley Field)
Expect warm conditions around first pitch: approximately 80–83°F, partly cloudy to cloudy, humidity in the 60% range. Wind is forecast around 10 mph from the SSW (blowing out toward center field), which historically favors hitters and elevates home-run potential at Wrigley. Rain chance is low (around 5–15% during the game window, rising later), with minimal delay risk. Overall a hitter-friendly environment.
Injury Reports
Reds
Spencer Steer (1B/OF): 10-day IL (wrist)
Michael Toglia (1B): 10-day IL (shoulder)
Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B): 10-day IL (groin)
Longer-term: Hunter Greene (elbow, Tommy John – out for season), Brandon Williamson (shoulder), Graham Ashcraft, Blake Dunn (elbows)
Key available bats include Sal Stewart (1B, ~30 HR / 100+ RBI), Elly De La Cruz (SS, speed + power), Eugenio Suárez, JJ Bleday, TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, and Héctor Rodríguez.
Cubs
Dansby Swanson (SS): 10-day IL (oblique/side) – progressing but not yet back
Edward Cabrera (SP): 15-day IL (blister) – nearing return (rehab expected soon)
Gavin Hollowell (RP): 15-day IL (shoulder)
Longer-term 60-day IL group includes Justin Steele, Cade Horton, Porter Hodge, Shelby Miller, Hunter Harvey, Ben Brown, Phil Maton, Riley Martin, Tyler Austin, and others
Key available contributors: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF, 36 HR, elite speed/power), Alex Bregman (3B), Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, Michael Busch, Carson Kelly, Tyrone Taylor.
Key Player Matchups & Notes
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs. Burns: PCA is scorching (three homers and six RBI in Saturday’s blowout). He leads the Cubs in many categories and thrives in the middle of the order with speed on the bases.
Sal Stewart vs. Imanaga: The Reds’ top offensive force (~30 HR, 100+ RBI as a rookie standout) provides middle-of-the-order power.
Elly De La Cruz: Speed threat who can impact the game with steals and extra-base hits; has faced Imanaga previously.
Cubs lineup depth remains strong even without Swanson; Bregman has been productive of late. Reds offense ranks high in home runs (179) but low in overall average (.228). Cubs rank near the top in slugging and runs scored.
Bullpens: Both sides have dealt with injuries; Cubs’ recent high-scoring output may lean on the starter longer if the offense stays hot.
Recent Form & Series Context
Both clubs are 4-6 in their last 10. Cubs home record is 39-28; Reds road record is 32-36. The Cubs have dominated the 2026 season series (7-2 entering Sunday). Saturday’s 17-5 Cubs win featured explosive offense after a close Reds victory Friday. Cubs pitching staff ERA has been better overall this year; Reds staff has struggled more recently (elevated ERA in the last 10).
Betting Trends
Cubs have been strong home favorites most of the year. Recent series games have seen high scoring (overs hitting). Wind blowing out supports the over. Season series heavily favors Chicago.
GAME ODDS
Cincinnati Reds 9
Chicago Cubs – 133
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, August 29, 2026
