Spring baseball in Chicago is always a bit of a gamble, and Monday's matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field is no exception. With inclement weather looming, the first pitch has been moved up by 30 minutes to beat the elements.
Originally scheduled for 6:40 PM CT (7:40 PM ET), the game will now start at 6:10 PM CT (7:10 PM ET). If you already have tickets, don't worry—the MLB Ballpark app has automatically updated the new start time, as noted by MLB.com's Mark Sheldon and confirmed by Bleed Cubbie Blue.
This contest marks the first meeting of the 2026 season between these two storied franchises, and all eyes will be on the mound. While the Reds haven't officially announced the roster move yet, Chase Petty is listed as tonight's starter on Reds.com, facing off against Cubs right-hander Edward Cabrera. For Petty, this will be his 2026 MLB debut, and it comes with high hopes. After a challenging stint in the big leagues last season at just 22 years old, the young right-hander is eager to show he's put those struggles behind him and is ready to make an impact.
Whether you're braving the chilly Chicago air or catching the action from home, this early spring showdown promises to be a compelling test for both teams as they look to set the tone for the season ahead.
