Cubs visit Pirates at PNC Park as Chicago hunts rotation upgrade

Pittsburgh carries a one-game winning streak into it

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 251 min read

#CUBS WIN FINAL (10): Cubs 3, Pirates 2. https://t.co/yKbpv04PcS Via @Cubs on X

What happened: The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates meet at PNC Park. Pittsburgh (49-47) enters on a one-game winning streak after going 3-2 over its last five, while Chicago (52-47) has dropped its last game and gone 3-2 over its last five.

Why it matters: Both teams sit near .500 with the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaching. Chicago has been canvassing the market for starting pitching after ranking 14th in MLB in runs allowed, while Pittsburgh added reliever Ron Marinaccio from the Padres this week and designated Dennis Santana for assignment.

By the numbers: Chicago has won four of the last five meetings between the two clubs, including a 10-4 win at PNC Park in May. Pittsburgh is averaging 5.4 runs scored and 4.8 allowed this season; Chicago is at 5.0 scored and 4.5 allowed.

What to watch: Chicago's search for rotation help continues before the Aug. 3 deadline, with Angels lefty Reid Detmers among the names the club has discussed.

Sources

@Cubs 2026-07-25T01:29:02.759387+00:00

Box score

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

MLBPreviewChicago CubsPittsburgh Pirates

Follow MLB Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportMLB

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →