The Chicago Cubs open a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Thursday evening, with first pitch set for 4:10 PM ET.
Pitching Matchup
Right-hander Cade Horton gets the ball for Chicago. The young starter has shown flashes of the dominant stuff that made him a first-round pick, and the Cubs will need him to set the tone for this road series.
Cleveland counters with left-hander Joey Cantillo, who has been solid through his first few starts of the regular season.
Series Preview
Both teams enter this series hovering around .500 in the early going. The Cubs sit at 3-3 after a split in their opening homestand, while the Guardians are 4-3 and looking to build momentum at home.
Chicago's offense has shown pop early on, but consistency has been the challenge. Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ have been leading the charge at the plate, while Alex Bregman is still settling into his new lineup spot.
What to Watch
The Cubs' bullpen depth will be tested on this road trip. Manager Craig Counsell will be looking for length from his starters to keep the relievers fresh for what could be a tight series against a scrappy Cleveland team.
Progressive Field has historically been a tough place for visiting teams early in the season, with cool April temperatures favoring pitchers.
