Minnesota Twins vs Chicago Cubs Preview
Today's Starting Matchup
Today's starting pitching matchup features Minnesota Twins's Zebby Matthews (4-6, 4.57 ERA) against Chicago Cubs's Shota Imanaga (5-8, 4.17 ERA).
Both starters carry similar ERAs, setting the stage for a potential pitchers' duel. WHIP: Zebby Matthews 1.22, Shota Imanaga 1.12.
Advanced metrics: Zebby Matthews — FIP 5.10, K% 19.6%, 67.0 IP / Shota Imanaga — FIP 4.64, K% 24.0%, 108.0 IP
Team Season Comparison
2026 season record: Minnesota Twins 49-50 (.495), Chicago Cubs 55-43 (.561).
Chicago Cubs holds the edge in the season standings, though Minnesota Twins can't be counted out based on head-to-head matchups.
Run differential: Minnesota Twins -15, Chicago Cubs +53. Chicago Cubs boasts superior run production.
Recent form: Minnesota Twins on a 1-game losing streak, Chicago Cubs on a 1-game win streak.
Based on starting pitching, Chicago Cubs holds the edge.
Bullpen Analysis
Minnesota Twins bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Andrew Morris (Setup) 3.26 ERA, 48K in 47.0IP, Bailey Ober 4.32 ERA, 58K in 77.0IP, Joe Ryan 2.85 ERA, 128K in 110.1IP.
Chicago Cubs bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Caleb Thielbar (Setup) 4.40 ERA, 37K in 28.2IP, Colin Rea 4.74 ERA, 76K in 100.2IP, David Peterson 6.45 ERA, 70K in 82.1IP.
Win Probability
Projected win probability: Minnesota Twins 47% vs Chicago Cubs 53%
Factors: Chicago Cubs's starter owns the lower ERA, Chicago Cubs's home-field advantage. Of course, baseball's inherent randomness means actual results may differ.
Key Tactical Points
Workload comparison: Zebby Matthews averages 6.1 IP per start vs. Shota Imanaga at 5.7 IP. Getting six-plus innings from the starter significantly eases the bullpen burden.
Shota Imanaga has allowed 22 HR this season — a concern against a lineup with extra-base power.