The Cincinnati Reds (64-55) host the Chicago Cubs (52-68) at Great American Ballpark for a crucial NL Central matchup starting Monday at 7:10 PM EST.

Team Overview:

• Reds: 2nd in NL Central, 8 games behind Brewers, 2 games out of wild card
• Cubs: 4th place, 20.5 games back, lost last 10 straight
• Season series: Reds lead 6-4

Betting Lines (DraftKings):

• Reds: -1.5 (-115), ML -235
• Cubs: +1.5 (-105), ML +190
• Over/Under: 9 runs

Pitching Matchup:

• Cubs: Justin Steele (2-1, 2.95 ERA)
• Reds: Wade Miley (9-4, 3.00 ERA)

Key Stats:

• Reds batting: 5th in AVG (.252), 3rd in OBP (.333), 5th in SLG (.431)
• Reds pitching: 19th in ERA (4.48), 25th in WHIP (1.378)
• Cubs have been decimated by trades and injuries

Injury Report: Reds:

• Jesse Winker: Just returned from IL
• Nick Senzel: Expected back this month
• Multiple relievers on IL

Cubs:

• Wilson Contreras: Out until September
• Multiple position players and pitchers on IL

Outlook: The Reds have a favorable schedule remaining with only 14 games against +.500 teams. They'll need their high-powered offense to continue producing while hoping their pitching stabilizes for a playoff push. The depleted Cubs are clearly rebuilding after trading away core players at the deadline.

Keys to Victory: The Reds must capitalize early against the inexperienced Steele while leveraging their offensive firepower through Winker, Castellanos and Votto. Their struggling pitching staff needs to contain what remains of the Cubs lineup.

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