The Cubs leave Wrigley Field for the first time in 2026 this afternoon when they open a three-game set in Cleveland. All six games so far have been on the North Side β a dropped series against Washington, then a bounce-back series win over the Angels. Now it's time to find out what this team looks like on the road.
The Guardians are 4-3 after taking series from both the Mariners and the Dodgers in a seven-game West Coast road trip. This is their home opener at Progressive Field, so expect a fired-up crowd β especially with Chase DeLauter, the most exciting rookie in the American League, leading the charge. Cleveland's offense has hit just .189 as a team, but the pitching has been strong and they've already proven they can beat good clubs.
The Matchups
Friday (3:10 CT): Cade Horton vs. Joey Cantillo. Horton has been the Cubs' best pitcher through one start β 6.1 innings, 2 earned runs, perfect through three against Washington β and he has history with this Cleveland lineup. Last July, Horton threw 7 scoreless innings in a 1-0 Cubs win at Wrigley. Cantillo's 2026 debut was rocky (4.91 ERA, didn't escape the 4th), though his underlying metrics suggest better days ahead. Edge: Cubs.
Saturday (6:15 CT): Shota Imanaga vs. Slade Cecconi. This is the game to circle. Imanaga is the only Cubs starter who hasn't had a strong outing yet β he gave up a three-run homer in the first inning of his only start and took the loss. Boyd bounced back with 10 strikeouts against the Angels. Cabrera was untouchable in his debut. Taillon was solid. Imanaga still needs to prove it. Cecconi was reportedly ill for his first start (12.46 ERA), so both pitchers have something to show. This is a prove-it game for both sides.
Sunday (12:40 CT): Edward Cabrera vs. Parker Messick. Cabrera's debut was about as good as it gets β 6 scoreless innings on one hit against the Angels. The question in his second start is whether the command and the adjusted pitch mix hold up against a different lineup. Messick just dominated the Dodgers and has a nasty changeup. This could be the best pitching matchup of the weekend.
DeLauter Is the Name to Know
If you haven't been paying attention to Chase DeLauter, now's the time. The Guardians' rookie hit 4 home runs in his first 4 career games against Seattle β off Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and closer AndrΓ©s MuΓ±oz β and was named AL Player of the Week before the calendar turned to April. He fouled a pitch off his left foot in Tuesday's game against the Dodgers and sat out Wednesday, but X-rays came back negative and DeLauter said he plans to be back in the lineup for Friday's home opener.
JosΓ© RamΓrez is the other name that doesn't need introduction β he's on the cusp of joining the 300-homer, 300-steal club and homered in Wednesday's win over the Dodgers. Steven Kwan, one of baseball's best contact hitters, has been quiet early but remains a tough out in any matchup.
Suzuki Watch
While the Cubs are in Cleveland, Seiya Suzuki is in Knoxville. He begins his rehab assignment with Double-A today after passing a full battery of physical tests at Wrigley on Tuesday β defensive drills, baserunning, sliding. Craig Counsell expects 3-7 days with the Smokies before Suzuki rejoins the big league club. Most reports point to the April 10 homestand against the Pirates as the target for his return. Until then, Nico Hoerner (.318 through 6 games) continues to anchor the lineup, and the Cubs will need production from everyone around him to keep winning.
First pitch Friday at 3:10 p.m. CT on Marquee Sports Network.