Preview: Cubs, Rays Set for Rubber Match in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays will decide their three-game series Wednesday at George Steinbrenner Field after splitting the first two contests.

The Cubs (4-6) evened the set with a 9-2 victory Tuesday, responding after a 6-4 loss Monday. The Rays (5-5) look to secure a series win before both clubs embark on lengthy road trips.

Chicago will hand the ball to right-hander Joe Boyle (0-0), making his first start of the 2026 season. He will be opposed by Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan, who earned the win in Monday’s series opener. McClanahan (1-0) allowed two runs on one hit over four innings, striking out five.

A player to watch for the Cubs is right-hander Jameson Taillon, who started Monday’s loss. Despite taking the defeat, Taillon delivered a quality start, allowing three runs over six innings. He has a 2.31 ERA over his first two outings this season.

For the Rays, McClanahan looks to build on his strong first outing. In his prior start on March 31 at Milwaukee, he took a loss after allowing two runs over 4 2/3 innings.

Offensively, the Cubs will hope for more production after Monday’s loss, where Matt Shaw provided a solo home run. The Rays saw power from Jonathan Aranda and Cedric Mullins in that game, each hitting a two-run homer.

The Interstat game simulator projects a close contest, favoring the Rays 4-3.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a temperature near 68 degrees.

Following the game, the Cubs travel to open a series in Pittsburgh on Friday. The Rays will host the New York Yankees to begin a weekend set.