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Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup — Saturday, Jul 25, 2026

Saturday, Jul 25, 2026PNC Park6:40 PMPreviewStarting Lineups
CHC · Away

Chicago Cubs

SP: Shota Imanaga · ERA 3.91
@
6:40 PM
PIT · Home

Pittsburgh Pirates

SP: Paul Skenes · ERA 3.43
Lineups PendingAnnounced ~1–2 hrs before first pitch · 6:40 PM ET
Full matchup preview

Expected Batting Order

Official lineups not yet announced for this game. Check back closer to game time.

No lineup data available for Chicago Cubs.

No lineup data available for Pittsburgh Pirates.

◆ Matchup preview

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates (2026-07-25). Shota Imanaga vs Paul Skenes at PNC Park.

Starters — Imanaga has a 3.91 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 115.0 innings with 8.53 K/9, 2.19 BB/9, and 1.72 HR/9. His last three starts were 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 1 BB; 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 K, 1 BB; and 4.2 IP, 2 ER, 8 K, 3 BB. The recent form points to a downward ERA trend, but the home run rate remains a betting concern. Skenes carries a 3.43 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 115.1 innings with 10.77 K/9, 2.03 BB/9, and 0.86 HR/9. His last three starts were 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 8 K, 2 BB; 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 7 K, 1 BB; and 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 K, 1 BB. He also shows a downward trend, backed by elite strikeout ability and strong contact suppression.

Teams — Chicago enters with a .748 OPS, 523 runs scored, a 4.23 team ERA, and a 1.27 team WHIP. The Cubs are 6-4 over their last 10 games, and their profile suggests a solid but not overwhelming offense paired with a pitching staff that has been more stable in baserunner prevention than run prevention. Pittsburgh has a .760 OPS, 545 runs scored, a 4.23 team ERA, and a 1.30 team WHIP. The Pirates are also 6-4 in their last 10, with slightly better production at the plate than Chicago, though their staff has allowed a few more baserunners overall despite the identical ERA.

Key facts
Skenes has the edge in strikeout rate and home run prevention with 10.77 K/9 and 0.86 HR/9Imanaga has allowed 22 home runs in 115.0 innings, a notable 1.72 HR/9 risk markerPittsburgh holds a small offensive edge with a .760 OPS and 545 runs versus Chicago’s .748 OPS and 523 runs