The Chicago Cubs travel to Great American Ball Park for a Saturday night matchup against the Cincinnati Reds on July 11, 2026, with first pitch set for 7:10 PM ET. Javier Assad gets the ball for Chicago against Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo in what shapes up as a genuine pitching duel. This is a divisional game with real stakes — every win against a National League Central opponent matters when the standings tighten up in the second half of the season. Cubs fans can catch the action on Marquee Sports Network, with radio coverage on 104.3 The Score.

Cubs vs. Reds Pitching Matchup: Assad and Lodolo Square Off

Javier Assad takes the mound for the Cubs in what has become a familiar and welcome responsibility. The right-hander has shown the kind of resilience and swing-and-miss stuff that makes him a legitimate rotation piece for this club. Assad's ability to generate weak contact and work deep into games will be tested against a Cincinnati lineup that carries real firepower from top to bottom.

On the other side, Nick Lodolo is a dangerous opponent. The Reds' left-hander has the arsenal to keep hitters off balance — a sharp breaking ball and solid command that can neutralize a Cubs lineup that needs to stay disciplined and patient to get the most out of him. Cubs hitters will need to work counts and avoid chasing early in at-bats.

Cincinnati Reds Lineup: Elly De La Cruz Headlines a Tough Order

The Reds are running out a lineup that demands respect. Elly De La Cruz leads things off at shortstop, and his combination of speed and raw power makes him one of the most dynamic table-setters in the National League. Sal Stewart bats second at third base, followed by JJ Bleday in left field hitting third. Spencer Steer slots in at cleanup in right field, with Nathaniel Lowe at first base hitting fifth.

• Elly De La Cruz (SS) — Leadoff, elite speed and power threat
• Sal Stewart (3B) — Second, young bat with upside
• JJ Bleday (LF) — Third, on-base presence
• Spencer Steer (RF) — Cleanup, proven run producer
• Nathaniel Lowe (1B) — Fifth, steady contact hitter
• Eugenio Suárez (DH) — Sixth, veteran power threat
• Jose Trevino (C) — Seventh
• Edwin Arroyo (2B) — Eighth
• TJ Friedl (CF) — Ninth, speed at the bottom of the order

That is a lineup Assad cannot cruise through. De La Cruz at the top and Steer in the middle present two distinct problems — one built on athleticism and one on contact and power. Eugenio Suárez in the six-hole adds a veteran threat who can punish a mistake pitch. Assad will need sharp command and a clean approach to navigate this order.

Keys to Watch for the Cubs on Saturday Night

Assad's Command Against a Left-Heavy Lineup

The Cubs' right-hander needs to establish his fastball early and keep the Reds' hitters from sitting on his breaking stuff. If Assad can mix his pitches effectively and limit walks, the Cubs have a real shot at keeping the game close deep into the evening.

Offensive Patience Against Lodolo

Lodolo works best when hitters expand the zone. The Cubs' lineup needs to stay disciplined, work pitch counts, and force Lodolo into the middle of the plate. Getting into the Cincinnati bullpen early would be a significant advantage.

Handling De La Cruz

The leadoff hitter is a problem any time he reaches base. Keeping De La Cruz off the bases — or at minimum, keeping him from running wild — is a priority for Assad and the Cubs' battery.

Prediction

This one figures to be a tight, low-scoring game driven by pitching. Assad has the ability to hold a potent lineup in check, and if the Cubs offense can scratch out enough against Lodolo to get a lead into the back half of the game, Chicago has a real chance to steal one on the road in Cincinnati. Call it Cubs 3, Reds 2 in a grinder that comes down to the bullpen arms in the seventh and eighth innings.