Reds Vs Cubs

Monday's Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs matchup just got a lot more interesting. The Reds called up right-hander Chase Petty to make his first start of the 2025 season, setting up a compelling pitching storyline for a game that NL Central fans don't want to miss. Here's everything you need — the pitching matchup breakdown, betting lines, where to catch the game live, and why this one matters more than a typical early-May contest.

Chase Petty Gets the Ball for Cincinnati

The biggest news heading into Monday's game is Chase Petty's promotion to Cincinnati's starting rotation. The young right-hander has appeared in three games for the Reds in 2025, all in relief roles, but this is his first crack at a starting assignment this season.

Petty is a name Reds fans have been watching closely. He was one of the key pieces Cincinnati received in a blockbuster trade, and the organization has been patient developing him. Getting the nod against a Cubs lineup that can do real damage makes this a meaningful audition. How he handles the order the second and third time through will tell scouts and fans a lot about where his development stands right now.

What to Expect From Petty on the Mound

Petty works primarily with a mid-to-upper-90s fastball and a sharp breaking ball that gives right-handed hitters fits. His command has been the question mark at the big-league level — when he locates the fastball down in the zone, he's genuinely hard to square up. Chicago's lineup, which features patient hitters who will work counts, is a legitimate test of whether that command has tightened up.

Watch his pitch count closely. If Cincinnati keeps him on a shorter leash — say, four or five innings — it signals they're still building him up carefully. A longer outing would suggest the club has real confidence in what they've seen lately.

Edward Cabrera Takes the Mound for Chicago

The Cubs counter with right-hander Edward Cabrera. Cabrera brings legitimate strikeout upside; his changeup is one of the nastier offerings in the NL when he's on. The knock against him has always been consistency — he can look unhittable for three innings and then unravel in a single frame.

For Cubs bettors and fans, the question is which version of Cabrera shows up. Against a Reds lineup that has been swinging hot bats at various points this season, a shaky command day could get expensive fast. Cincinnati's hitters have shown they can punish pitchers who leave the ball elevated, so Cabrera will need to stay down in the zone.

How the Pitching Matchup Shapes the Betting Lines

The Petty vs. Cabrera matchup creates genuine uncertainty — two pitchers with upside and question marks on the same day. According to FanDuel's research for the May 4 contest, the odds, moneyline, spread, and over/under all reflect a relatively tight game. When two starting pitchers carry variance like these two do, the over/under becomes particularly interesting. Both guys can either cruise or give up crooked numbers quickly.

If you're looking at the moneyline, the home/away split matters here. Check the current lines on FanDuel or DraftKings before first pitch, since the Petty news likely shifted the market after it broke Monday morning. Lines set before a surprise callup announcement often get adjusted fast, and early movers can find value.

Reds vs Cubs May 4: How to Watch and Stream

Knowing the matchup is one thing — actually finding the game is another. Here's how to tune in on Monday:

• TV Channel: Check your local listings for Bally Sports Ohio (Reds broadcast) or Marquee Sports Network (Cubs broadcast), depending on your regional provider.
• National Broadcast: Confirm whether ESPN, Apple TV+, or Peacock has picked up this game as part of their MLB packages — Monday games increasingly land on streaming platforms in 2025.
• Start Time: According to USA Today's coverage, the game is scheduled for Monday, May 4. Verify the exact first-pitch time on MLB.com or your sportsbook app, as early May scheduling occasionally shifts.
• Streaming Options: MLB.TV remains the go-to for cord-cutters outside local blackout zones, starting at around $24.99/month. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV all carry regional sports networks and offer free trials ranging from 7 to 14 days — a practical option if you're not a subscriber yet.

If you're on the go, the MLB app streams games with an active MLB.TV subscription and offers Gameday audio for free. It's the simplest way to follow pitch-by-pitch action from your phone during the workday.

Why This Game Matters in the NL Central Race

Reds-Cubs games carry extra weight because these two teams are competing in the same division. Every win and loss in NL Central matchups hits twice — you gain a game in the standings while a direct rival loses one. Early May is when the division picture starts to take shape, and a series win here sends a statement.

Cincinnati has invested in pitching depth, and getting a look at Petty as a starter directly affects how the Reds manage their rotation down the stretch. If he's ready to eat innings, it gives the front office flexibility. If he struggles, they'll need to reassess — and those decisions ripple through trade deadline planning come July.

For Chicago, Cabrera being a reliable starter is equally important. The Cubs have the offensive talent to compete, but their rotation depth has been tested by injuries and inconsistency. A strong outing Monday would be a boost heading into a busy stretch of the schedule.

Best Ways to Follow the Game and Stay Updated

Beyond watching live, there are solid ways to stay locked in on this matchup:

• X (formerly Twitter): Follow @Reds and @Cubs for real-time updates, highlights, and lineup cards dropped roughly 90 minutes before first pitch.
• ESPN App: Live box scores and push notifications keep you current without needing the full broadcast.
• FanDuel Sportsbook: If you're betting, the app updates live odds inning by inning and offers same-game parlay options that work well for games like this where both pitchers create variance.
• MLB.com GameDay: Free, no subscription needed, and surprisingly detailed — pitch velocity, location, and exit velocity all update in real time.

For fantasy baseball players, Petty's first start of the season is a streaming add in most formats. His strikeout upside against a Cubs lineup that will likely chase his breaking ball is worth a spot start in deeper leagues, particularly in points-based formats that reward Ks.

Conclusion

Monday's Reds vs. Cubs game on May 4 is worth your attention beyond just the standings implications. Chase Petty making his first start of 2025 adds real storyline value — this is a prospect moment wrapped inside a divisional matchup. Edward Cabrera brings his own volatility to the other side of the diamond, making this a game where the pitching matchup alone justifies tuning in. Get your streaming setup sorted, check the updated odds after the Petty news dropped, and enjoy what should be an genuinely compelling afternoon of NL Central baseball.