Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Preview
Today's Starting Matchup
Today's starting pitching matchup features Chicago Cubs's Ben Brown (1-2, 2.09 ERA) against Pittsburgh Pirates's Carmen Mlodzinski (4-3, 3.96 ERA).
Chicago Cubs's Ben Brown posts an elite 2.09 ERA this season, while Carmen Mlodzinski has been league-average at 3.96. There is a clear gap in starting pitching quality.
Advanced metrics: Ben Brown — FIP 2.38, K% 26.0%, 38.7 IP / Carmen Mlodzinski — FIP 3.00, K% 20.4%, 50.0 IP
Team Season Comparison
2026 season record: Chicago Cubs 29-24 (.547), Pittsburgh Pirates 27-26 (.509).
Recent form: Chicago Cubs on a 8-game losing streak, Pittsburgh Pirates on a 1-game win streak.
Based on starting pitching, Chicago Cubs holds the edge.
Bullpen Analysis
Chicago Cubs bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Ben Brown 2.09 ERA, 40K in 38.2IP, 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 3.38 ERA, 4K in 5.1IP, Braxton Ashcraft 2.89 ERA, 65K in 62.1IP, Bubba Chandler 4.79 ERA, 47K in 47.0IP.