The Tampa Bay Rays are set to face the Chicago Cubs in the opening game of a three-game series. The matchup takes place Monday at 4:10 p.m. EDT in St. Petersburg, Florida. Both teams enter the game with an equal record of 4-5.
Team Performance Overview
Last season, the Chicago Cubs finished with a record of 92-70 and performed well on the road, achieving a 42-39 record. In contrast, the Tampa Bay Rays ended their previous season with a 77-85 overall record, including a 41-40 performance at home.
Current Team Statistics
- Cubs batting: Averaged a .251 batting average and a .714 OPS in the 2025 season.
- Rays batting: Kept pace with a competitive .251 team batting average as well.
- Cubs pitching: Averaged 7.9 strikeouts per nine innings while allowing 4.0 runs per game during the 2025 season.
Pitching Matchup
In today’s game, Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon will take the mound with a record of 0-0, boasting a 0.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP along with three strikeouts. The Rays will counter with Shane McClanahan, who has a record of 0-1 and a 3.86 ERA, with four strikeouts and a 1.07 WHIP this season.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with several injuries affecting their rosters:
- Rays Injuries:
- Garrett Cleavinger: 15-Day IL (calf)
- Steven Wilson: 60-Day IL (back)
- Edwin Uceta: 15-Day IL (shoulder)
- Gavin Lux: 10-Day IL (shoulder)
- Ryan Pepiot: 15-Day IL (hip)
- Manuel Rodriguez: 60-Day IL (elbow)
- Taylor Walls: 10-Day IL (oblique)
- Cubs Injuries:
- Cade Horton: 15-Day IL (forearm)
- Porter Hodge: 15-Day IL (elbow)
- Seiya Suzuki: 10-Day IL (knee)
- Justin Steele: 60-Day IL (elbow)
- Jordan Wicks: 15-Day IL (forearm)
- Shelby Miller: 60-Day IL (elbow)
- Christopher Austin: 60-Day IL (knee)
As the Rays host the Cubs, fans can expect an exciting game with both teams eager to improve their early-season records.
