Cincinnati @ Chicago preview
Wrigley Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 23, 2018 ) Cincinnati 1, Chi. Cubs 7
The Chicago Cubs have the best record in the National League despite disappointing numbers from some of their biggest offensive stars. One of those sluggers is heating up, however, and the Cubs will try for a third straight victory when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Friday afternoon.
After being limited to just one run in five straight games, the Cubs have broken out of their slump to score 15 times in their last two contests. Anthony Rizzo has homered in three consecutive contests and Javier Baez also went deep in Chicago's 7-1 triumph in the series opener. The Cubs, who lead St. Louis by three games in the NL Central, might need another offensive outburst behind spot starter Alec Mills. Matt Harvey is slated to take the mound for the Reds, but he reportedly was claimed off waivers on Wednesday and could be traded before the game.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (6-7, 4.91 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Alec Mills (0-0, 0.00)
Harvey has made himself a valuable trade chip with two straight excellent outings. The 29-year-old former ace of the New York Mets has allowed two runs over 13 1/3 innings in his last two turns and is 6-5 with a 4.28 ERA in 17 outings with the Reds. Harvey is 2-1 with a 4.05 ERA in six career starts against the Cubs.
Mills will be recalled from Triple-A Iowa to make his first major-league start and fifth overall appearance. The 26-year-old made an appearance out of the bullpen for the Cubs on July 27 and tossed two scoreless innings at St. Louis. Mills has gone 5-12 with a 4.84 ERA in 23 starts for Iowa this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago 2B Daniel Murphy has gone 2-for-5 in each of his first two games with the team and is a career .417 hitter at Wrigley Field.
2. Reds SS Jose Peraza has recorded multiple hits in six of his last eight contests, going 14-for-30 with four doubles and two homers during that stretch.
3. The Cubs placed Tyler Chatwood (hip) on the disabled list Thursday and recalled fellow RHP Dillon Maples from Iowa.
PREDICTION: Reds 6, Cubs 5