Sizzling Nick Senzel and the Reds battle the Cubs in the not-so-friendly confines of Wrigley Field

Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs. Cubs

Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo vs. Cubs starting pitcher Keegan Thompson

Today is La Piedra Day as Luis Castillo (2-4 3.71 ERA) faces Keegan Thompson (7-2 3.10) of the Cubs in tonight's opener. If history is any indication, Castillo will have his work cut out for him versus Chicago.

Jason Heyward, Willson Contreras, and notorious Reds killer, Ian Happ all have a career average of .333 or better with a combined four round-trippers and 13 ribbies against the Cincinnati right-hander. Lifetime Castillo is 3-2 with a 4.14 ERA in seven career starts at Wrigley Field.

Let's hope Keegan Thompson's first career start versus the Reds does not resemble his last two outings. The 27-year-old right-hander has allowed just one run on six hits with 16 K's in his last 12 innings. That's getting it done.

Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene vs. Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele

Rookie Hunter Greene (3-8 5.66 ERA) toes the rubber Wednesday night opposing Justin Steele (2-5 4.59 ERA) for David Ross's club. Following being awarded Player of the Week honors, it's been tough sledding for Greene.

During his last two appearances, the 22-year-old right-hander has been torched for 10 runs in as many frames while being taken deep five times. Even though he was the winner in the Reds' 20-5 shellacking of the Cubs on May 25th, Chicago hit three-round trippers and dented the plate five times in five innings against Hunter Greene.

To say Justin Steele would like to forget his last starts versus Cincinnati is an understatement. The southpaw lasted just two innings as the Redlegs smacked him around for seven runs in only two innings of work. He's winless in three career starts with a 9.82 ERA when facing the Reds.

Reds starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft vs. Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks

Thursday night's series finale features Graham Ashcraft (4-1 3.27 ERA) battling Chicago's Kyle Hendricks (3-6 4.90 ERA). Ashcraft has been a revelation in his first seven career starts in the majors.

Tossing 41.1 frames, the right-hander has issued only seven free passes and surrendered four long balls. Even more impressive, he hasn't allowed multiple homers or walked more than two batters in a game. If Ashcraft continues to throw strikes and keep the ball in the yard, he could end up being Cincinnati's most valuable rookie this year.

It's feast or famine when it comes to Kyle Hendricks facing the Cincinnati Reds. In three of their last five meetings, the veteran right-hander has been rocked for 14 runs in 14.2 innings. In the other two outings, the 32-year-old Dartmouth alum has limited Cincinnati to two runs in a dozen frames. What happens Thursday? Your guess is as good as mine.