Today's starting pitching matchup features Chicago Cubs's Jameson Taillon (2-4, 5.20 ERA) against Pittsburgh Pirates's Bubba Chandler (1-6, 4.60 ERA).

Both starters carry similar ERAs, setting the stage for a potential pitchers' duel. WHIP: Jameson Taillon 1.27, Bubba Chandler 1.47.

Advanced metrics: Jameson Taillon — FIP 6.48, K% 20.2%, 55.3 IP / Bubba Chandler — FIP 5.27, K% 22.2%, 47.0 IP

2026 season record: Chicago Cubs 29-26 (.527), Pittsburgh Pirates 29-26 (.527).

Recent form: Chicago Cubs on a 10-game losing streak, Pittsburgh Pirates on a 3-game win streak.

Based on starting pitching, Pittsburgh Pirates holds the edge.

Chicago Cubs bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Ben Brown 2.01 ERA, 47K in 44.2IP, Caleb Thielbar 3.38 ERA, 12K in 10.2IP, Colin Rea 4.83 ERA, 44K in 54.0IP.

Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Brandan Bidois 2.57 ERA, 7K in 7.0IP, Braxton Ashcraft 2.75 ERA, 70K in 68.2IP, Bubba Chandler 4.60 ERA, 47K in 47.0IP.

Projected win probability: Chicago Cubs 45% vs Pittsburgh Pirates 55%

Factors: Pittsburgh Pirates's starter owns the lower ERA, Pittsburgh Pirates's home-field advantage. Of course, baseball's inherent randomness means actual results may differ.

Workload comparison: Jameson Taillon averages 5.5 IP per start vs. Bubba Chandler at 4.7 IP. Getting six-plus innings from the starter significantly eases the bullpen burden.

Jameson Taillon has allowed 17 HR this season — a concern against a lineup with extra-base power.