Pregame Notes: Travis Wood leads Cubs into doubleheader against the Reds

After a Billy Hamilton triple broke things wide open late in last night’s series-opening 9-3 loss, the Cubs will look to one of the biggest veterans left on the team’s staff in the opening tilt of today’s day-night doubleheader matchup with the Cincinnati Reds.

Travis Wood (7-6, 4.62 ERA) is coming off one of his shortest outings of the year. The southpaw lasted just 3 2/3 innings against the Red Sox at Fenway last Wednesday, surrendering three earned on seven hits and four walks. Control has been a thorn in the side of the 2013 All-Star all season long and locating pitches well and not leaving any hanging over the heart of the plate will be key against the Reds’ lineup today.

He will be opposed by right-hander Johnny Cueto (8-6, 1.99 ERA) who already has 130 strikeouts entering play Tuesday. The All-Star right-hander has been nothing short of dominant this season, showing that he belongs in the running with the other top pitchers in the league. He is in the final year of his four-year contract and will likely demand a significant pay raise in the coming offseason should his production continue as it has since Opening Day.

This afternoon’s game is slated for a 12:10 p.m. CT start and will be carried on television and radio by WGN.

Here are the starting lineups: