Houston Astros vs Chicago Cubs Preview
Today's Starting Matchup
Today's starting pitching matchup features Houston Astros's Peter Lambert (2-4, 3.57 ERA) against Chicago Cubs's Shota Imanaga (4-4, 3.38 ERA).
Both starters carry similar ERAs, setting the stage for a potential pitchers' duel. WHIP: Peter Lambert 1.08, Shota Imanaga 1.04.
Advanced metrics: Peter Lambert — FIP 3.30, K% 24.3%, 35.3 IP / Shota Imanaga — FIP 3.39, K% 26.0%, 58.7 IP
Team Season Comparison
2026 season record: Houston Astros 22-31 (.415), Chicago Cubs 29-23 (.558).
Chicago Cubs holds the edge in the season standings, though Houston Astros can't be counted out based on head-to-head matchups.
Run differential: Houston Astros -51, Chicago Cubs +23. Both clubs are evenly matched in run production.
Recent form: Houston Astros on a 2-game win streak, Chicago Cubs on a 7-game losing streak.
Based on starting pitching, Chicago Cubs holds the edge.
Bullpen Analysis
Houston Astros bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: AJ Blubaugh 4.55 ERA, 24K in 29.2IP, Bryan Abreu 7.31 ERA, 21K in 16.0IP.
Chicago Cubs bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Ben Brown 2.09 ERA, 40K in 38.2IP, Caleb Thielbar 2.79 ERA, 11K in 9.2IP, Colin Rea 4.83 ERA, 44K in 54.0IP.