Chicago Cubs Face Crafty Lefty Cantillo in Guardians Series Opener

Cubs lineup loaded with right-handed hitters to counter Guardians southpaw starter

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with sharp planes of color and form representing the dynamic interplay between the Cubs' batters and Guardians' pitcher.A cubist interpretation of the strategic chess match between the Cubs' right-handed heavy lineup and the Guardians' crafty left-handed starter Joey Cantillo.Today in Tampa

The Chicago Cubs enter their first road trip of the 2026 season at .500 after splitting their opening series against the Nationals and Angels. They'll look to improve their record as they head to Cleveland to face the Guardians, with right-hander Cade Horton taking the mound against Guardians lefty Joey Cantillo.

Why it matters

The Cubs are looking to build momentum after a .500 start, and facing a crafty left-handed pitcher like Cantillo presents a unique challenge for their lineup. How the Cubs' right-handed heavy batting order fares against Cantillo's offspeed arsenal could set the tone for the rest of the series and road trip.

The details

Cantillo, a 26-year-old lefty, has posted impressive strikeout numbers in the minor leagues and during his brief MLB career so far, thanks in large part to a high-ride changeup that closely matches the movement of his fastball. He'll look to neutralize the Cubs' right-handed hitters with his offspeed offerings, while the Cubs will need to show patience and take advantage of any mistakes Cantillo makes.

  • The Cubs-Guardians series opener is scheduled for 3:10pm CT on April 3, 2026.

The players

Cade Horton

The Cubs' right-handed starting pitcher, who is looking to build on a dominant second half of the 2025 season after missing time with a rib injury.

Joey Cantillo

The Guardians' left-handed starting pitcher, a 26-year-old who has impressed with his strikeout ability and offspeed arsenal in the minor leagues and during his brief MLB career so far.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Cantillo has the look of a typical crafty lefty who will be able to hang around for a long time because he knows how to pitch and because he puts up big reverse splits.”

— Evan Altman, Author

What’s next

The Cubs will look to take advantage of Cantillo's mistakes and get runners on base early, as the key will be finding a way to solve the left-hander's offspeed offerings.

The takeaway

This series opener against the Guardians presents an early test for the Cubs' lineup, as they'll need to show patience and discipline against the crafty left-hander Cantillo. How they fare in this matchup could set the tone for the rest of the road trip.