Chicago Cubs Series Preview: Reds scuffling as Cubs come to Cincinnati

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The Chicago Cubs head to Cincinnati to face the Reds, whose struggles have been worse than the Cubs early in the season.

The Chicago Cubs had their own struggles against the Miami Marlins, that’s for sure. But the Cincinnati Reds couldn’t find the rhythm as they dropped all three to a tough Washington Nationals team. As the Reds are in the midst of a rebuild, they hope to put a solid team on to the field. So far, that hasn’t been the case.

The Cubs came away from a four-game series with the Marlins with a 2-2 record. While they were able to get some hits, they were unable to drive runners in. One of the big reasons was they were 6-for-47 with runners in scoring position. You can get all the hits you want, but you have to drive in runners when you have the chance.

It’s the same issue that plagued the Cubs last season. They brought in Chili Davis who hoped to turn around some of these Cubs’ hitters. But Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor are the Cubs likely to turn things around in the first series of the year.

While this seems like a one side series, we take a look at what the Reds might bring to the ballpark. And one of those things is Joey Votto.

Heading into the series: Cincinnati Reds

Record: 0-3, Last in the National League Central

Record (Last 10): 0-3

ERA: 7.00

OBP: .304

HR: 4

Team Leader (WAR): N/A

An unlikely Gennett leads the Reds offense

If I was to tell you that Scooter Gennett was leading the Reds in average, would you believe me? Well, it’s true. Gennett leads the Reds with a .538 average. Unfortunately, not many of the team are following his lead. Billy Hamilton continues to struggle from the leadoff spot with a .111 on-base percentage.

For the Reds, they’ll rely on Joey Votto to drive in runs. He’s off to a slow start, batting just .273 with a .385 OBP. But as the season continues, those numbers will only go up for Votto. The only question is, will the rest of the team be on base for him to do any damage?

In the three-game series, the Reds were beaten 2-0, 13-7 and 6-5. They nearly came back on Sunday night but fell just short as the offense couldn’t come up with one more run. They either couldn’t get any or couldn’t get enough. Either way, it led to three straight losses for them.

Cubs look to take the two-game set

Game 1: Monday, April 2 – 3:10 p.m. CT | Tyler Chatwood (0-0, 0.00) v Tyler Mahle (0-0, 0.00)

It’s a battle of Tyler’s as the Cubs’ Tyler Chatwood makes his regular season debut against the Reds’ Tyler Mahle. Chatwood was the first signing of the Cubs free agent season, and they’re expecting big things from him. With one of the best road ERA’s in the leagues last year, getting away from Coors Field may be just what the doctor ordered for him.

He faced the Reds only once last season, going 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA last season. But that was at Coors Field, and we’ve already talked about that one. In road starts, he was 8-1 with a 1.69 ERA. There might not be anyone who’s been so happy to NOT call Colorado his home park.

Chatwood will be opposed by Tyler Mahle, who drew the matchup thanks to a rainout against the Nationals on Thursday. Mahle might be happy with that after seeing the Cubs struggle with runners in scoring position the entire weekend in Miami.

Game 2: Tuesday, April 3 – 5:40 p.m. CT | Jon Lester (0-0, 8.10) v Cody Reed (0-0, 0.00)

The Cubs’ Jon Lester had a less than sparkling debut in the opener, going just 3 1/3 innings while allowing four runs (three earned). Joe Maddon might have thought he as doing the Cubs a favor by turning to the bullpen early. But two extra-inning games later in the series put a stress on the Cubs bullpen right away.

Lester might be getting paid the most money on the staff, but they don’t need him to be the “ace” anymore. However, they do need him to go five or six innings and get the bullpen to a position where they aren’t having to eat so many innings.

The Reds will turn to Cody Reed who was called up from Louisville as several players landed on the DL. It’s been a struggle for Reed, who has surrendered 20 hits in 12 1/3 innings this spring. But the Reds have decided to go with Reed over Amir Garrett.

Reed needs to show something soon or he might find himself being shipped back to Triple-A soon. While he will get the nod on Tuesday, how long he goes from there is a mystery.

Heading into the series: Chicago Cubs

Record: 2-2, 3rd in National League Central

Record (Last 10): 2-2

ERA: 3.50

OBP: .320

HR: 5

Team Leader (WAR): N/A

Bryant, Rizzo need to lead the Cubs at the plate

Kris Bryant has been impressive, batting .389 (7-for-18) against the Marlins this weekend. But his partner in crime Anthony Rizzo was a no-show, batting .150 (3-for-20) with a home run and three RBI. Rizzo started slow last season but picked it up in the second half. The Cubs could really use his bat at the top of the order.

What’s been impressive for the Cubs is the performance of Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russell. While still very early, each has managed to make solid contact. The progression of each of these three will be paramount to their success.

On the opposite side of the coin is Javier Baez. He’s been struggling at the plate, batting just .167 in 15 at-bats. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ben Zobrist get a few starts at second base to let Baez clear his head a bit.

Cubs take both from the Reds at the Great American Ballpark

The Cubs are coming off a dreadful series, but there’s no reason to think it will continue into the Reds series. The pitching matchups for the Cubs are heavily in their favor, and the offense will likely see some changes in the coming games.

The one player that everyone was sure about was Ian Happ, and he’s struggled since opening the season with a home run. Maddon may mix things up a bit, giving Albert Almora Jr. another shot while flanking him with Heyward and Schwarber in game one of the series. He’s not done well against righties, but maybe Maddon will get him some at-bats against one.

Next: What has Big Z been doing since baseball ended?

It’s just two games, but it would mean a 4-2 record while heading into division-leading Milwaukee for four games. The Cubs need a little bit of momentum this season, and there’s no place better to get it than from the Reds.

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