Chicago @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 18, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 3, Cincinnati 5

The Cincinnati Reds are the only team in the majors to use only five starters this season, but that streak will come to an end when they host the Chicago Cubs in a day-night doubleheader Saturday at Great American Ball Park. Right-hander Todd Redmond is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Louisville to make his major-league debut in the nightcap. Redmond will have to be content with his second billing because the Reds will trot out ace Johnny Cueto in the opener.

Cueto will look to join Tampa Bay's David Price as the only 16-game winner in the majors. Cincinnati won the series opener Friday night to maintain a six-game lead over Pittsburgh atop the National League Central. Winners of six of their last seven, the Reds need one victory to become the first team in baseball to reach 40 home wins. Chicago has dropped 12 of 15 games in August and is sitting 25 games under .500 (46-71).

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), FSOH (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Brooks Raley (0-2, 9.00 ERA) vs. Reds RH Todd Redmond (NR)

Raley faced the Reds in his second major-league start last Sunday and acquitted himself fairly well, giving up three runs on six hits in six innings. He was hurt by the long ball, giving up a pair of home runs to account for all the scoring. He had a rough debut on Aug. 7, getting pounded for seven runs in four innings at San Diego.

Redmond has already been promoted to the majors three times this season but has yet to appear in a game. He was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in July for shortstop Paul Janish. He went 2-3 with a 3.41 ERA in five games at Louisville, and owns an 8-9 record in 23 appearances (22 starts) this year in Triple-A.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati LF Ryan Ludwick homered Friday night, his 23rd of the season and fourth during his current nine-game hitting streak.

2. Reds RF Jay Bruce has homered in four of his last five games.

3. Cincinnati owns the best record (25-9) in baseball since the All-Star break and is 22-9 since All-Star 1B Joey Votto was injured.