Pre-Gamin’: Cubs vs Pirates (5:40 CT) – Lineups, Broacast Info, Game Thread - Bleacher Nation

What the report says

Bleacher Nation reported that the Chicago Cubs were set to face the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 25, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 5:40 p.m. CT. The matchup was framed as another likely pitching-centered game, with Chicago sending left-hander Shota Imanaga against Pittsburgh right-hander Paul Skenes. The listed records entering the game were Cubs 58-45 and Pirates 53-51.

The Cubs lineup posted by Bleacher Nation had Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field, Seiya Suzuki in right, Michael Busch at first, Alex Bregman at third, Ian Happ in left, Nico Hoerner at second, Pedro Ramirez at designated hitter, Dansby Swanson at shortstop and Miguel Amaya catching. The Pirates lineup had not yet been announced in the article. Broadcast information listed MARQ for television and 104.3 The Score for radio.

The report noted Imanaga had been on a strong run since June 10, citing a 2.31 ERA over seven starts and 39 innings, while also pointing to a high strand rate as a possible warning sign. Bleacher Nation also highlighted Pittsburgh’s struggles against left-handed pitching as a factor that could favor Chicago.

For Pittsburgh, the article described Skenes as still highly effective despite a higher 2026 ERA than his previous career mark. It cited strong underlying metrics, an approximately 30% strikeout rate, fewer walks than earlier in his career, and a recent solid stretch against the Braves, Brewers and Guardians. The report also listed several injuries for both clubs and gave the weather in Pittsburgh as 80 degrees with light wind moving right to left.