Overview
- Nico Hoerner left Friday’s game with left-sided neck tightness and sat out Saturday, with team reports pointing to a short absence.
- The Cubs are 20-12 but have already placed seven pitchers on the injured list, and rookie Cade Horton is out for the season with an elbow injury.
- A four-game set against the 20-12 Reds starts a 14-game run of divisional matchups that could strain Chicago’s thin pitching staff.
- Cincinnati’s start has featured star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, rookie third baseman Sal Stewart, and what has been the division’s most effective bullpen under Terry Francona.
- The Reds could soon reinforce their rotation with Nick Lodolo and later with Hunter Greene, who had elbow bone chips removed in March and is tracking for a midseason return.