The Chicago Cubs welcome the Cincinnati Reds to Wrigley Field on Friday, August 28, 2026, for a 2:20 PM ET first pitch. David Peterson gets the ball for Chicago against Cincinnati right-hander Rhett Lowder in what shapes up as an intriguing pitching matchup. With the Cubs sending out a deep and experienced lineup — Alex Bregman batting cleanup, Pete Crow-Armstrong leading off, and Seiya Suzuki slotted second — this is a home game Chicago will want to take care of business in front of the Wrigley faithful.

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Pitching Matchup: Peterson vs. Lowder

David Peterson draws the start for the Cubs, taking on a Cincinnati lineup that will be looking to make things uncomfortable in the early innings. Peterson's assignment is straightforward: go deep into the game, limit traffic on the bases, and let this Cubs offense do its thing behind him.

On the other side, Rhett Lowder gets the nod for the Reds. Lowder is a young arm who has shown flashes of the stuff that made him a top prospect, and the Cubs will need to make adjustments as the game develops. Lowder's ability to keep hitters off-balance could be the determining factor in whether Chicago's lineup gets into a rhythm early or has to grind it out late.

Cubs Starting Lineup for August 28 vs. Cincinnati

• Pete Crow-Armstrong — CF
• Seiya Suzuki — RF
• Michael Busch — 1B
• Alex Bregman — 3B
• Ian Happ — LF
• Nico Hoerner — SS
• Pedro Ramírez — 2B
• Michael Conforto — DH
• Carson Kelly — C

Keys to Watch in Cubs vs. Reds

• Peterson's command: How Peterson handles the Reds' lineup through the first time through the order will set the tone. If he can work efficiently and keep his pitch count manageable, the Cubs bullpen gets a rest and Chicago stays in control.
• Bregman in the middle of the order: Batting fourth, Bregman is the fulcrum of this lineup. His ability to drive in runs with Crow-Armstrong, Suzuki, and Busch setting the table in front of him could be the difference in a close game.
• Crow-Armstrong at the top: The young center fielder leading off gives the Cubs a dynamic, athletic presence at the plate and on the bases. If PCA gets on base early, Cincinnati will feel it.
• Hoerner and Ramírez up the middle: Chicago's middle-infield combination of Nico Hoerner and Pedro Ramírez provides both defensive reliability and on-base presence in the six and seven spots. Their at-bats against Lowder could lengthen the game and create run-scoring opportunities late in the lineup.
• Wrigley Field conditions: A Friday afternoon game at Clark and Addison means the wind, the sun, and the crowd will all be factors. Pay attention to which way the flags are blowing — it can change everything about how this one is managed.

Prediction: Cubs Win at Home

This is a game Chicago should take. The lineup is deep, balanced, and capable of putting up runs against a young pitcher in Lowder who is still establishing himself at the big-league level. Peterson's job is to be efficient and give the Cubs length. If he does that, the bullpen can handle the rest. Wrigley Field on a Friday afternoon is one of the best environments in baseball, and this Cubs group has the talent to take advantage of it. Cubs win, 5-3.

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