Elly De La Cruz Returns as the Reds Look to Take the Series Over the Cubs

The Cincinnati Reds (51-55) and Chicago Cubs (51-57) have been two of the more active players in the trade market. When the first pitch is cast, the trade deadline will be behind them and it will be time to focus on the remaining schedule and challenge for a wild card spot.

Tony Santillan (0-0, 0.00 ERA) makes his first start since June 29, 2021, in what looks to be a bullpen day for the home club. This year, Santillan has appeared in five game and pitched a total of five innings. He has allowed just two hits and walked one batter with nine strikeouts.

With the trade deadline looming, the Reds must have made the decision that of their bullpen arms, Santillan will not be moving.

No new names hit the lineup today, but Elly De La Cruz returns after an off day on Monday.

1.) 2B Jonathan India
2.) SS Elly De La Cruz
3.) LF Spencer Steer
4.) C Tyler Stephenson
5.) 1B Jeimer Candelario
6.) CF TJ Friedl
7.) RF Stuart Fairchild
8.) 3B Noelvi Marte
9.) DH Santiago Espinal

SP Tony Santillan

The Cubs will counter with an All-Star from a year ago, Justin Steele (2-4, 3.08 ERA). This will be the 17th start for Steele this season and has even logged a complete game back on July 5. In his last two starts, Steele has thrown 10 innings and has allowed 15 hits, seven earned runs, and five walks while striking out 10.

This will be his ninth start against the Reds and 11th appearance overall. He's 2-4 with a 5.75 ERA. Oddly enough, this is his third start this season against Cincinnati. In his two early-June starts, he only allowed two runs over 12 innings but is 0-1.

The Cubs lineup features a couple of new faces:

1.) LF Ian Happ
2.) 1B Michael Busch
3.) RF Seiya Suzuki
4.) DH Cody Bellinger
5.) 3B Isaac Paredes
6.) 2B Nico Hoerner
7.) SS Dansby Swanson
8.) CF Pete Crow-Armstrong
9.) C Miguel Amaya

SP Justin Steele