Reds at Cubs
The Chicago Cubs got fans’ hopes up with the overhaul of the front office last fall but spent most of the winter tempering expectations for the current campaign. With some of the pressure off, Cubs’ fans are free to get excited over a 6-1 home victory over the Cincinnati Reds in April. The Reds, meanwhile, have high hopes for 2012 and are trying to figure out problems with the offense and the pitching staff.
The Reds were one of the strongest offenses in the National League the past two seasons but have been slow out of the gate. They put up 15 runs during back-to-back wins Thursday and Friday but were back to one run on six hits Saturday. Cincinnati has scored two runs or less eight times already. Chicago got a rare quality start out of Paul Maholm on Saturday and Starlin Castro pushed his hitting streak to nine games.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Johnny Cueto (1-0, 1-89 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Randy Wells (2011: 7-6, 4.99 ERA)
Cueto went seven innings at St. Louis on Tuesday, allowing a run on seven hits and not factoring in the decision in a 2-1 loss. The right-hander has been up-and-down against the Cubs in his career, compiling a 4-6 record with a 3.72 ERA. Cueto has held Castro to 3-for-15 and one RBI.
Wells got the nod for Sunday when Ryan Dempster was placed on the disabled list with a quad strain. Wells lost his spot in the rotation during spring training and had 12 starts last season in which he allowed four or more earned runs. He is 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA in nine career starts against the Reds.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cubs traded outfielder Marlon Byrd to the Boston Red Sox for right-hander Michael Bowden and cash.
2. Castro committed a pair of errors Saturday, bringing his league-leading total to seven.
3. Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (hamstring) got Friday off but was back in the lineup Saturday.