Preview: Cubs at Guardians, April 3, 2026

CLEVELAND (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Guardians open a three-game interleague series Friday afternoon at Progressive Field, each looking to build momentum after up-and-down starts to the 2026 season.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 75 degrees.

The Cubs (3-3) arrive after splitting a four-game set with the Los Angeles Angels, including a 6-2 victory Wednesday. Left-hander Joey Cantillo (0-0) will make his first start of the season for Chicago. He will face a Guardians lineup that has shown power early, led by third baseman José Ramírez.

Cleveland (4-3) is coming off a successful West Coast trip, taking three of four from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Guardians won the series finale 4-1 on Wednesday behind a dominant outing from right-hander Gavin Williams.

Williams, a key player to watch for Cleveland, is coming off that seven-inning, two-hit, 10-strikeout performance against the Dodgers. He has allowed three earned runs over 12 innings in two starts this season.

For the Cubs, a player to watch is left-hander Matthew Boyd, though he is not scheduled to pitch Friday. Boyd starred in Wednesday’s win, striking out 10 over 5 2/3 innings while allowing just one earned run. His season has been a contrast, however, following a rough outing on March 26 where he surrendered six earned runs to Washington.

The Guardians’ offense will test Cantillo, having scored at least four runs in four of their seven games. The Cubs’ attack has been inconsistent, scoring 10 runs twice but also being shut out once.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Guardians 5, Cubs 4.

Following this series, the Cubs continue a road trip with three games in Tampa Bay. The Guardians will host the Kansas City Royals for three games beginning Monday.