The Cubs have not fared well against the Reds to this point, so this series looms large in the division race. Kyle Schwarber can help turn the tide as he leads off the opener in right, followed by Javy Báez at short, Kris Bryant in right, and Anthony Rizzo cleaning up at first.
Victor Caratini is starting behind the plate for the third time in four games as Willson Contreras nurses a sore foot, Jason Heyward is in center, Addison Russell is at second, and David Bote is at third. Not bad, all things considered.
Reds starter Luis Castillo completely dominated the Cubs in two previous starts with a big fastball and excellent offspeed work, limiting them to three total runs on five hits.