Colin Rea, RHP vs. Joe Boyle, RHP

For the second year in a row, Colin Rea is being asked to step into the rotation to replace an injured starter. Last year in place of Justin Steele, Rea was really good. Over his first seven starts after taking Steele’s rotation spot, Rea posted a 2.72 ERA and 1.239 WHIP and allowed just four home runs in 36.1 innings.

Hopefully Matthew Boyd won’t be out long and Rea can go back to the long relief role he does so well. (Or Rea can stay in the rotation replacing Cade Horton.)

He made a competent start Sept. 13, 2025 vs. the Rays at Wrigley Field, allowing three runs in 5.1 innings, striking out five with no walks.

Joe Boyle came to the Rays in a trade with the A’s before the 2025 season and he spent much of the year in Triple-A before being recalled in July. He had a few decent starts and some not-so-decent and it was an unremarkable season.

This year Boyle has a 3.18 ERA and 0.882 WHIP in two starts covering 11.1 innings, with 13 strikeouts. He’s never faced the Cubs and only four Cubs have ever seen him, none for more than four at-bats, so let’s hope the Cubs have a good scouting report.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

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You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

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You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

Discuss amongst yourselves.