The Atlanta Braves are set to host the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday evening, kicking off a three-game series at Truist Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. EDT.
The Braves enter the matchup with a 28-13 record, leading the NL East, and boast a strong 12-6 mark at home. Atlanta’s pitching staff has been dominant, posting the best team ERA in Major League Baseball at 3.16.
Chicago, meanwhile, sits atop the NL Central at 27-14. The Cubs have been dangerous at the plate, ranking fourth in the National League with 51 home runs this season. On the road, they hold a 9-9 record.
Tuesday’s contest marks the first meeting between these two division leaders in 2026.
Pitching Matchup: The Cubs will send Colin Rea (4-1, 4.03 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 35 strikeouts) to the mound, while the Braves counter with Grant Holmes (2-1, 4.34 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 29 strikeouts). The betting line favors Atlanta at -130, with the over/under set at 9 runs.
Players to Watch: For the Braves, Matt Olson has been a power threat with 14 home runs and a .654 slugging percentage. Over the last 10 games, Ozzie Albies is 11-for-40 with three doubles, a home run, and five RBIs.
For the Cubs, Ian Happ has contributed six doubles, a triple, nine home runs, and 18 RBIs while batting .233. Michael Busch has been hot recently, going 13-for-33 with four doubles, a triple, and a home run in his last 10 contests.
Recent Form: The Braves are 6-4 in their last 10 games, hitting .264 with a 3.41 ERA and outscoring opponents by 18 runs. The Cubs are 8-2 over that same stretch, batting .222 with a 3.30 ERA and a plus-12 run differential.
Injury Report: Atlanta’s injured list includes Eli White (concussion), Dylan Dodd (back), Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring), AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow), Danny Young (elbow), Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), Joe Jimenez (knee), Joey Wentz (knee), and Hurston Waldrep (elbow).
Chicago is dealing with injuries to Jordan Wicks (forearm), Caleb Thielbar (hamstring), Hunter Harvey (triceps), Matthew Boyd (knee), Riley Martin (elbow), Porter Hodge (elbow), Shelby Miller (elbow), Justin Steele (elbow), Christopher Austin (knee), and Cade Horton (forearm).
