Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions May 23rd 2025

Reds’ Hunter Greene Returns from Injury to Face Cubs in Series Opener

The Cincinnati Reds are welcoming back a key piece of their pitching rotation as All-Star right-hander Hunter Greene is set to return from the 15-day injured list on Friday night. His first assignment? A high-stakes showdown against the division-leading Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park.

Greene Ready to Reclaim the Mound

Greene (4-2, 2.36 ERA) had been sidelined since May 7 after feeling tightness during warmups before the fourth inning of a start against Atlanta. An MRI later revealed a Grade 1 groin strain, prompting a precautionary stint on the IL.

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“Those first two warm-up pitches, I just felt a groin grab. I just didn’t feel like I would be at my best or be able to really, honestly, keep the team in it.”
— Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds

The hard-throwing righty returned to action with a 35-pitch simulated game last Sunday, reporting no discomfort and feeling ready to go. Prior to his injury, Greene ranked third in the majors with 61 strikeouts over 45 2/3 innings — a reflection of his dominance and growth this season.

In seven career starts against Chicago, Greene is 4-1 with a 4.06 ERA. That includes a memorable performance in 2023 at Wrigley Field where he tossed six no-hit innings and struck out 11 in a commanding 9-0 Reds victory.

Cubs Counter with In-Form Boyd

The Cubs will turn to veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd (4-2, 2.98 ERA), who’s been efficient and in control of late. He’s coming off a win against the White Sox in which he struck out eight over six innings and didn’t walk a single batter. Boyd has now faced 70 consecutive hitters without issuing a free pass.

“If you can get strike one and be in charge, be in command of the at-bats, it’s always a good spot to be in.”
— Matthew Boyd, Chicago Cubs

However, Boyd’s track record against Cincinnati is less favorable. In four career starts, he’s 1-3 with a 6.00 ERA, and he’s struggled mightily in Cincinnati specifically, where he holds a rough 9.69 ERA across three starts.

Matchups to Watch

Chicago’s Seiya Suzuki has had Greene’s number, batting .462 with two homers and six RBIs in just 13 at-bats. On the Reds’ side, the offense will need to capitalize on Boyd’s inconsistencies against them, especially at home.

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Cincinnati fans and MLB bettors alike will be keeping an eye on MLB picks for this key divisional battle. With Greene back in action and both teams jockeying for positioning in the NL Central, this matchup carries both short-term tension and long-term implications.

Cubs Riding Momentum

The Cubs enter the series fresh off their 11th series win of the season, having edged the Marlins 2-1 behind a strong performance from outfielder Kyle Tucker. Tucker has caught fire, going 6-for-8 with two homers in his last two games and delivering the go-ahead RBI in the eighth inning on Wednesday.

“The last two days, every at-bat, just great swings, hard hit balls. He was the offense today.”
— Craig Counsell, Chicago Cubs Manager