Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds preview, Saturday 7/11, 6:10 CT

Just prior to this preview posting, the Cubs announced they had activated Phil Maton from the 15-day injured list. To make room for Maton on the 26-man active roster, Jake Woodford was designated for assignment. The latter move leaves an open spot on the 40-man roster. Saturday notes… SATURDAY IN TH

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What is the story about?

Just prior to this preview posting, the Cubs announced they had activated Phil Maton from the 15-day injured list. To make room for Maton on the 26-man active roster, Jake Woodford was designated for assignment. The latter move leaves an open spot on the 40-man roster.

Saturday notes…

SATURDAY IN THE PARK: The Cubs are 7-7 on Saturday this year. The losses are as many as they had all of last season, when they finished 20-7. They are 3-3 on the road on Saturday. Last year, they went 11-2. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)

GETTING SHUT OUT: Last night’s shutout loss was the Cubs’ ninth of the season. They were blanked only 10 times all of last year, after having been held scoreless 16 times in 2024. They failed to score in eight games in 2023, 12 in 2022 and 10 in 2021, for an average of 10.4 during the previous five seasons. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
RISPy BUSINESS: The Cubs were 0 for 5 last night with runners in scoring position. Their record is 3-20 in games with no hits with RISP. In all other games, they are 49-22. Their average for the season was .217 through June 16. Since then, it is .296, but in their last seven games it is .157 (8 for 51). (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Ryne Sandberg hits a three-run homer to cap a four-run first inning and Jaime Navarro throws a five-hit complete game shutout as the Cubs defeat the Cardinals 6-0 at Wrigley Field. It happened 30 years ago today, Thursday, July 11, 1996.

Cubs lineup:

Reds lineup:

Javier Assad, RHP vs. Nick Lodolo, LHP

In nine games (four starts,

five relief outings) since May 1, Javier Assad has a 2.41 ERA and 0.911 WHIP, though with seven long balls allowed in 37.1 innings. His last outing, 4.2 shutout innings vs. the Cardinals last Sunday at Wrigley Field, was pretty good.

His only appearance against the Reds this year was 1.1 innings of scoreless relief May 5 at Wrigley Field.

Here’s a fun stat: The Cubs are 6-1 in games started by Assad and 11-3 overall in the 14 games he’s pitched in. So, yay?

Nick Lodolo’s season was delayed due to a blister. He didn’t make his first start until May 8. Then on June 23 he got hit in the wrist by a comebacker by Jackson Chourio and was removed from the game. It was diagnosed as a contusion and he didn’t miss a start. In fact, over the two starts since then: 11 innings, one run allowed, eight strikeouts (though also six walks).

Lodolo last faced the Cubs Sept. 19, 2025, when he allowed nine hits and four runs in 4.2 innings, including home runs by Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw.

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Here is the weather forecast for the area around Great American Ballpark.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

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The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

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Discuss amongst yourselves.