All Eyes on Kyle Tucker and Michael Soroka as Cubs Open Home Series vs. Reds

By Ronald Kapper | NewsSutra.com
Chicago, IL – Monday, August 4, 2025 — The Chicago Cubs begin a pivotal three‑game series at Wrigley Field on Monday night, August 4, 2025, hosting the Cincinnati Reds. All eyes will be on star Kyle Tucker and newly acquired starter Michael Soroka, each carrying high expectations as the Cubs chase the NL Central title.

⚾ First Pitch & Starting Matchup

The series opener will begin at 8:05 p.m. ET / 7:05 p.m. CT on Monday, August 4 BetMGM+8Bleed Cubbie Blue+8Fox Sports 1360+8.

• Michael Soroka (3–8, 4.87 ERA), making his Cubs debut on his 28th birthday, gets the ball for Chicago Bleed Cubbie Blue+15Bleed Cubbie Blue+15Bleed Cubbie Blue+15.

• Opposing him is Reds lefty Nick Lodolo (8–6, 3.09 ERA), who shut out the Cubs in a prior matchup this season X (formerly Twitter)+8UrbanMatter+8Bleed Cubbie Blue+8.

🔍 Why Tucker & Soroka Are in the Spotlight

Kyle Tucker

Since joining the Cubs via trade from Houston, Tucker has emerged as the team’s premier offensive force. A four-time All-Star and Silver Slugger award winner, he leads the offense season-long and remains a threat in the middle of the lineup Bleed Cubbie Blue+6Wikipedia+6Yahoo Sports+6. Despite a recent dip in power—potentially due to a minor injury—Tucker remains central to Chicago’s run production plans in the stretch drive Bleed Cubbie Blue.

Michael Soroka

A former All‑Star whose career was derailed by injuries, Soroka represents a calculated risk for the Cubs. His surface ERA may not shine, but advanced metrics indicate underlying effectiveness (expected ERA around 3.32, low opponent batting average against his slurve) federalbaseball.com. The Cubs hope that striking out over a batter per inning and improved defense behind him will unlock better starts down the stretch Bleed Cubbie Blue.

📊 Series Context & Stakes

• The Cubs enter this stretch with a 65–46 record, trailing the Brewers by two games in the NL Central with roughly 51 games remaining Bleed Cubbie Blue.

• The Reds stand at 58–54, four games back of a Wild Card spot and facing growing pressure to produce wins after limited trade‑deadline moves Fox Sports 1360.

• Chicago has won both prior series against Cincinnati this season and is heavily favored to take at least two of three games at home Bleed Cubbie Blue.

📺 How to Watch — Monday, August 4

• Local TV: Game will air on Marquee Sports Network and FDSOH (for regional viewers) BetMGM+4Bleed Cubbie Blue+4AP News+4.

• Streaming: Fans can stream via FuboTV, which carries both networks—though regional restrictions may apply Fox Sports 1360+1.

• Time Zone: First pitch is 8:05 p.m. ET / 7:05 p.m. CT at Wrigley Field in Chicago AP NewsFox Sports 1360.

🧩 Key Matchups & Players to Watch

• Soroka vs. Lodolo: Soroka looks to harness promising underlying pitches against Lodolo, one of Cincinnati’s most reliable starters UrbanMatter+2Bleed Cubbie Blue+2.

• Cubs Offense: Chicago leads MLB with a 5.2 runs-per-game average, though home power ranks just 11th (68 HRs). Expect contributions from Suzuki, PCA, and Busch alongside Tucker UrbanMatterbaseballsavant.mlb.comsportsjaw.com.

• Reds’ Threats: Elly De La Cruz and T.J. Friedl anchor an efficient but middling offense (~4.6 RPG) that needs spark ATS.io+3UrbanMatter+3AP News+3.

📝 Final Word

As the Cubs kick off a critical home stand on Monday, August 4, 2025, expectations around Kyle Tucker’s bat and Michael Soroka’s start are sky-high. Chicago is intent on maintaining momentum and inching closer to the division lead. With a deep lineup, tenacious bullpen, and renewed rotation depth, the Cubs will look to assert dominance at Wrigley Field—and put pressure on Milwaukee in the NL Central chase.